View source for Fabio Cannavaro

{{Short description|Italian footballer}}
{{Redirect|Cannavaro|his younger brother|Paolo Cannavaro}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Fabio Cannavaro
| image = Fabio Cannavaro 2011.jpg
| caption = Cannavaro in 2011
| full_name = Fabio Cannavaro<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/01/22/85/78/fwc_2010_squadlists.pdf |title=FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010: List of Players: Italy |publisher=FIFA |page=16 |date=4 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418010111/https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/01/22/85/78/fwc_2010_squadlists.pdf |archive-date=18 April 2020}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1973|9|13|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Naples]], Italy
| height = 1.76 m<ref>{{cite web |title=Fabio Cannavaro |url=http://www.juventus.com/site/ita/TAS_schedagiocatoreprimasquadra_3289900405164C6C9EA4D24DA4F78FA8.asp |publisher=Juventus FC|access-date =18 March 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091217095836/http://www.juventus.com/site/ita/TAS_schedagiocatoreprimasquadra_3289900405164C6C9EA4D24DA4F78FA8.asp | archive-date = 17 December 2009 }}</ref>
| position = [[Centre-back]]
| currentclub = [[Uzbekistan national football team|Uzbekistan]] (head coach)
| youthyears1 = 1988–1992
| youthclubs1 = [[SSC Napoli|Napoli]]
| years1 = 1991–1995
| clubs1 = [[SSC Napoli|Napoli]]
| caps1 = 58
| goals1 = 1
| years2 = 1995–2002
| clubs2 = [[Parma AC|Parma]]
| caps2 = 212
| goals2 = 5
| years3 = 2002–2004
| clubs3 = [[Inter Milan]]
| caps3 = 50
| goals3 = 2
| years4 = 2004–2006
| clubs4 = [[Juventus FC|Juventus]]
| caps4 = 74
| goals4 = 6
| years5 = 2006–2009
| clubs5 = [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]]
| caps5 = 94
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2009–2010
| clubs6 = [[Juventus FC|Juventus]]
| caps6 = 27
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2010–2011
| clubs7 = [[Shabab Al Ahli Club|Al Ahli Dubai]]
| caps7 = 16
| goals7 = 2
| totalcaps = 531
| totalgoals = 16
| manageryears1 = 2014–2015
| managerclubs1 = [[Guangzhou F.C.|Guangzhou Evergrande]]
| manageryears2 = 2015–2016
| managerclubs2 = [[Al Nassr FC|Al Nassr]]
| manageryears3 = 2016–2017
| managerclubs3 = [[Tianjin Tianhai F.C.|Tianjin Quanjian]]
| manageryears4 = 2017–2021
| managerclubs4 = [[Guangzhou F.C.|Guangzhou Evergrande]]
| manageryears5 = 2019
| managerclubs5 = [[China national football team|China]]
| manageryears6 = 2022–2023
| managerclubs6 = [[Benevento Calcio|Benevento]]
| manageryears7 = 2024
| managerclubs7 = [[Udinese Calcio|Udinese]]
| manageryears8 = 2024–2025
| managerclubs8 = [[GNK Dinamo Zagreb|Dinamo Zagreb]]
| manageryears9 = 2025–
| managerclubs9 = [[Uzbekistan national football team|Uzbekistan]]
| nationalyears1 = 1993–1996
| nationalteam1 = [[Italy national under-21 football team|Italy U21]]
| nationalcaps1 = 21
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 1997–2010
| nationalteam2 = [[Italy national football team|Italy]]
| nationalcaps2 = 136
| nationalgoals2 = 2
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's [[Association football|football]]}}
{{MedalCountry|{{ITA}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[FIFA World Cup]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006 Germany]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[UEFA European Championship]]}}
{{Medal|RU|[[UEFA Euro 2000|2000 Belgium-Netherlands]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[UEFA European Under-21 Championship]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[1994 UEFA European Under-21 Championship|1994 France]]|}}
{{Medal|W|[[1996 UEFA European Under-21 Championship|1996 Spain]]|}}
}}
'''Fabio Cannavaro''' {{postnominals|post-noms=[[Order of Merit of the Italian Republic|Ufficiale OMRI]]}} ({{IPA|it|ˈfaːbjo kannaˈvaːro}}; born 13 September 1973) is an Italian professional [[association football|football]] coach and former player who is the head coach of the [[Uzbekistan national football team|Uzbekistan national team]]. He is regarded as one of the greatest [[Defender (association football)|defender]]s of all time.<ref name="Cannavaro deserves Ballon d'Or">{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/6185490.stm|title=Cannavaro 'deserves' Ballon d'Or|publisher=BBC Sport|first=John|last=Sinnott|date=27 November 2006|access-date=9 December 2016|archive-date=18 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018164309/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/6185490.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="fourfourtwo">{{cite news|last=|first=|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/101-greatest-football-players-last-25-years-full-list|title=Ranked! The 101 greatest football players of the last 25 years: full list|edition=253|work=[[FourFourTwo]]|date=13 February 2018|accessdate=22 December 2023|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928145722/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/101-greatest-football-players-last-25-years-full-list|url-status=live}}</ref>

A [[centre-back]], he spent the majority of his career in Italy. He started his career at [[SSC Napoli|Napoli]] before spending seven years at [[Parma AC|Parma]], with whom he won two [[Coppa Italia]] titles, the [[1999 Supercoppa Italiana]], and the [[1999 UEFA Cup final|1999]] [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]]. After spells at [[Inter Milan]] and [[Juventus FC|Juventus]], he transferred (along with manager [[Fabio Capello]]) from Juventus to [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] in 2006, with whom he won consecutive [[La Liga]] titles in 2007 and 2008. He returned to Juventus for one season in 2009–10 and retired from football in 2011 after a stint at [[Al-Ahli Dubai|Al-Ahli]].

Cannavaro was part of the Italy team which won consecutive [[UEFA European Under-21 Championship]]s in 1994 and 1996. After earning his first senior [[Cap (sport)|cap]] in 1997, he helped his national team to the final of [[UEFA Euro 2000 final|UEFA Euro 2000]], being named in the team of the tournament, and became [[Captain (association football)|captain]] in 2002, following [[Paolo Maldini]]'s retirement.

Cannavaro led Italy to victory in the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]] in Germany and was given the nickname ''"Il Muro di Berlino"'' ("The Berlin Wall") by the Italian supporters due to his defensive performances, which saw Italy keep five clean sheets and concede only two goals, neither of which were in open play. He was awarded the [[FIFA World Cup awards#Golden Ball|Silver Ball]] after being named the tournament's second-best player. He was named the 2006 [[FIFA World Player of the Year]], making him the only defender in history to have won the award. He also won the [[Ballon d'Or]] award in [[2006 Ballon d'Or|2006]] which made him the only defender to win the award in a decade and only the third of all time after [[Franz Beckenbauer]] and [[Matthias Sammer]].<ref>[http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/cannavaro-discusses-highs-and-lows/66691 "Cannavaro discusses highs and lows"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216084627/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/cannavaro-discusses-highs-and-lows/66691|date=16 December 2013}}. Football Federation Australia. Retrieved 18 November 2013.</ref><ref name="Cannavaro only third defender to win coveted Ballon d'Or">{{cite news |date=27 November 2006 |title=Cannavaro only third defender to win coveted Ballon d'Or |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/nov/28/newsstory.sport1 |access-date=15 February 2014 |archive-date=13 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213120759/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/nov/28/newsstory.sport1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2009, Cannavaro overtook Maldini as the most-capped player in the country's history. He retired from international football on 25 June 2010 following Italy's failure to qualify for the knockout stages of the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup]], having amassed 136 caps and 2 goals for the senior national team.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/world-cup-2010/story/0,27032,12098_6228121,00.html |title=Cannavaro quits Italy duty |work=[[Sky Sports]] |date=25 June 2010 |access-date=5 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100628010011/http://www.skysports.com/football/world-cup-2010/story/0,27032,12098_6228121,00.html |archive-date=28 June 2010}}</ref> In total, he represented Italy at four [[FIFA World Cup|World Cup]]s, two [[UEFA European Championship]]s, the [[Football at the 1996 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|1996 Summer Olympics]] and the [[2009 FIFA Confederations Cup]]. He is currently Italy's [[Italy national football team records#Appearances|second all-time appearance holder]], behind [[Gianluigi Buffon]], as well as Italy's most capped defender.

Since his retirement, Cannavaro has coached club teams in the Middle East and China. He was briefly appointed as manager of the [[China national football team|China national team]] in 2019. He was the head coach of [[Serie B]] club [[Benevento Calcio|Benevento]] in the 2022–23 season, and in April 2024, he became head coach of [[Serie A]] club [[Udinese Calcio|Udinese]], successfully leading the club clear of the relegation zone. In December 2024, he was announced as the manager of Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb.

==Early life==
Fabio Cannavaro was born in [[Naples]] to Gelsomina Costanzo and Pasquale Cannavaro. His mother worked as a maid, while his father was a bank clerk. His father also played football for provincial side [[SSC Giugliano|Giugliano]]. He has an elder sister named Renata and a younger brother named [[Paolo Cannavaro|Paolo]], also a professional footballer.<ref name="family">{{cite web |title=Family |url=http://www.cannaddicted.com/New%20design/Fabio/family.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417234819/http://www.cannaddicted.com/New%20design/Fabio/family.html |archive-date=17 April 2023 |access-date=14 August 2010 |website=CannAddicted.com |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro">{{cite web |title=Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro |url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/fabio-cannavaro.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508163701/http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/fabio-cannavaro.html |archive-date=8 May 2015 |access-date=17 April 2015 |website=storiedicalcio.altervista.org |language=it}}</ref><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO">{{cite web |date=14 September 2014 |title=Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO |url=http://ilpalloneracconta.blogspot.ca/2012/09/fabio-cannavaro.html |access-date=17 April 2015 |website=ilpalloneracconta.blogspot.ca |language=it}}</ref><ref name="tuttojuve.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttojuve.com/gli-eroi-bianconeri/gli-eroi-in-bianconero-fabio-cannavaro-62876|title=Gli eroi in bianconero: Fabio CANNAVARO|website=tuttojuve.com|publisher=Tutto Juve|language=it|first=Stefano|last=Bedeschi|date=15 September 2013|access-date=15 December 2015}}</ref>

==Club career==
===1988–1995: Youth career and Napoli===
[[File:Fabio Cannavaro Napoli 1990.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|right|A 17-year-old Cannavaro trains with the Napoli youth side]]
As a youngster, Cannavaro played for a team from [[Bagnoli]] before being quickly spotted by the scouts of [[SSC Napoli|Napoli]], his hometown and favourite childhood team. Cannavaro initially served as the club's [[ball boy]] and would often watch his idols [[Diego Maradona]] and [[Ciro Ferrara]] play. He later joined the club's youth team, initially playing as a [[midfielder]] like his idol [[Marco Tardelli]], before the team's youth coach switched him to the role of centre-back.<ref name="story">{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11096/10785902/fabio-cannavaro-tells-his-story-from-ball-boy-to-ballon-dor-winner|title=Fabio Cannavaro tells his story: From ball boy to Ballon d'Or winner|publisher=Sky Sports|date=1 March 2017|access-date=3 March 2017}}</ref> He gained a reputation when, in a training session at Napoli, the young Fabio produced a strong sliding challenge on Maradona, who was then the undisputed star of the club, to dispossess him. The rough challenge angered teammates and staff at Napoli. However, Maradona himself defended the promising player and encouraged him to play the way he wanted, and reportedly congratulated Cannavaro by giving him his boots as a souvenir after the training session.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="tuttojuve.com"/><ref name="story"/><ref name="urchin"/><ref name="Pallone d'Oro a Cannavaro">{{cite web |last=Donaddio |first=Massimo |date=27 November 2006 |title=Pallone d'Oro a Cannavaro: "Lo dedico ai ragazzi di Napoli" |url=http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/SoleOnLine4/Sport/2006/11/md271106profilo_cannavaro_PRN.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929161622/http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/SoleOnLine4/Sport/2006/11/md271106profilo_cannavaro_PRN.shtml |archive-date=29 September 2015 |access-date=3 March 2017 |publisher=Il Sole 24 Ore |language=it}}</ref>

Cannavaro's progress as a player was such that he soon became a member of the first team alongside some of his childhood idols. Cannavaro's debut in [[Serie A]] came on 7 March 1993, in [[Turin]], in a 4–3 defeat to [[Juventus FC|Juventus]].<ref name="treccani.it">{{cite web|url=http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/fabio-cannavaro_%28Enciclopedia-dello-Sport%29/|title=Cannavaro, Fabio|publisher=Treccani: Enciclopedia dello Sport (2002)|language=it|first=Alberto|last=Polverosi|access-date=20 May 2015|archive-date=21 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150521024059/http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/fabio-cannavaro_%28Enciclopedia-dello-Sport%29/|url-status=live}}</ref> As a centre-back alongside Ferrara, he soon demonstrated his anticipation, tackling, distribution and his ability to start attacking plays after winning possession. He scored his first career goal at the [[San Siro]], against [[AC Milan|Milan]], on 8 January 1995.<ref name="calcionapoli24">{{cite web |title=Milan-Napoli stagione 94/95, P.Cannavaro: "Che gol che fece Fabio! Vi racconto la sfida che ho impresso nella mente" |url=http://www.calcionapoli24.it/rassegna_stampa/video-milan-napoli-stagione-94-95-pcannavaro-che-gol-che-fece-fabio-vi-n120328.html |access-date=18 May 2015 |publisher=Calcio Napoli 24 |language=it}}</ref> However, despite his promising performances, the post-Maradona Napoli were in desperate need of funds and were soon forced to sell Cannavaro to [[Parma Calcio 1913|Parma]], where Cannavaro won the [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]] and [[Coppa Italia]], and was named the Serie A [[Oscar del calcio|Defender of the Year]]. Cannavaro remained at Napoli until 1995, earning nearly 60 total appearances with the club, scoring one goal.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="tuttojuve.com"/>

===1995–2002: Parma===
Cannavaro was sold to Parma in the summer of 1995, and in his first season, he was instantly a regular on the first team, scoring once in 29 appearances in the league. He would go on to win trophies with the club and achieve several personal accomplishments, such as being named the team's captain. It was also in Parma that he met [[Gianluigi Buffon]] and [[Lilian Thuram]], who would not only form one of the tightest defensive units of Europe with Cannavaro but would also become some of his closest friends in football. Further players featuring in this legendary Parma backline were [[Luigi Sartor]], [[Roberto Mussi]], [[Antonio Benarrivo]], [[Luigi Apolloni]] and the Argentine [[Néstor Sensini]]. Cannavaro began to obtain success during his time at Parma. During his first season, Parma were eliminated in the second round of the [[1995–96 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] but finished in sixth place in [[1995–96 Serie A|Serie A]] that season, qualifying for the [[1996–97 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]]. Parma also reached the quarter-finals of the [[1995–96 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup]] that season. Parma finished the [[1996–97 Serie A|1996–97 Serie A season]] as runners-up to Serie A champions Juventus, allowing them to qualify for the [[1997–98 UEFA Champions League|UEFA Champions League]] the following season. Parma were once again eliminated in the second round of the [[1996–97 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] and in the first round of the [[1996–97 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]] that season. In the [[1997–98 Serie A|1997–98 season]], Parma finished in fifth place in Serie A and reached the [[1997–98 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] semi-finals, whilst they were knocked out in the group stage of the [[1997–98 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]], finishing second in their group to defending champions [[Borussia Dortmund]].<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="tuttojuve.com"/>

In his [[1998–99 Serie A|fourth season]] with the club, Cannavaro won his only European trophy, the [[1998–99 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]], as well as winning the [[1998–99 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]]. Parma finished the Serie A season in fourth place, with one point from [[ACF Fiorentina|Fiorentina]] in third place. In the [[1999–2000 Serie A|following season]], Fabio's brother Paolo Cannavaro joined the team, and the two Cannavaro brothers were able to play alongside each other for the next two seasons. Fabio won his first [[Supercoppa Italiana]] title against Serie A champions Milan and Parma finished the Serie A season in fourth place, tied with [[Inter Milan]] for the final remaining Champions League spot. However, Parma lost 3–1 to Inter in the Serie A Champions League playoff match, failing to qualify for the Champions League group stage. They started in the third and final qualifying round of the Champions League and were eliminated by [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]]. They were knocked out in the round of 16 of both the [[1999–2000 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]] and the [[1999–2000 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] that season.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="tuttojuve.com"/>

In the [[2000–01 Serie A|2000–01 season]], Cannavaro aided in leading Parma to another [[2000–01 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia final]], in which they were defeated by Fiorentina. They were eliminated in the third round of the [[2000–01 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]] that season. Parma also finished the season in fourth place for the third consecutive season, which allowed them to go through to the [[2001–02 UEFA Champions League|Champions League qualifying round]], although Parma were ultimately unable to qualify. In his final season with Parma, Cannavaro managed to win his second [[2001–02 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] title over Juventus, whilst Parma were eliminated in the round of 16 of the [[2001–02 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]], and finished the [[2001–02 Serie A|Serie A season]] in tenth place. In 1997, he began to earn call-ups to the national team's senior squad due to his performances for Parma, and he was consistently one of the best defenders in Serie A. In his time with Parma, Cannavaro made over 250 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="tuttojuve.com"/>

===2002–2004: Inter Milan===
In the summer of 2002, Cannavaro joined Inter Milan for a reported [[Euro|€]]23&nbsp;million, on a four-year contract.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/025a-0eaafeafe87f-3b4f9ad48c53-1000--inter-complete-cannavaro-swoop/|title=Inter complete Cannavaro swoop|website=[[UEFA]]|date=7 August 2002|access-date=16 June 2015}}</ref> At the time, Parma were in financial difficulty, while Inter had just lost a Serie A title in dramatic circumstances to Juventus and were in the process of rebuilding following four barren years and the departure of star striker [[Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer)|Ronaldo]]. Along with [[Francesco Coco]] and his former Parma teammate [[Hernán Crespo]], Cannavaro was supposed to be one of the faces of a new-look Inter led by manager [[Héctor Cúper]].<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="tuttojuve.com"/>

However, during Cannavaro's spell with the club, Inter mostly flattered to deceive. His stint with the club began promisingly, as Inter reached the semi-finals of the [[2002–03 UEFA Champions League|2002–03 Champions League]] and also finished runners-up in [[2002–03 Serie A|Serie A]] to Juventus in his first season with the club. However, his [[2003–04 Serie A|second season]] was not as productive, and he missed a large chunk of it through injury. He was also often played out of position. Inter finished fourth in Serie A and reached the semi-finals of the [[2003–04 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]], losing out to Juventus on penalties. Inter finished third in their [[2003–04 UEFA Champions League|Champions League group]] but would go on to reach the quarter-finals of the [[2003–04 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]]. After two years with the club, he was sold to Juventus in a part-exchange deal after just over 50 appearances and two goals. After he left Italy, Cannavaro often spoke negatively of his spell at Inter, comparing the club unfavourably with his other Italian clubs, Parma and Juventus.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="tuttojuve.com"/>

===2004–2006: Juventus and ''Calciopoli''===
After a two-year stint with Inter, Cannavaro signed for Juventus on the summer transfer window deadline day. The deal also involved the exchange of reserve goalkeeper [[Fabian Carini]], who left for Inter, both players priced €10&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.juventus.com/site/filesite/finance/comunicatipricesensitive/31_ago_2004_eng_can.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207070045/http://www.juventus.com/site/filesite/finance/comunicatipricesensitive/31_ago_2004_eng_can.pdf|title=Operations concerning players' registration rights|publisher=Juventus Football Club|date=31 August 2004|archive-date=7 December 2008|publication-place=Turin|url-status=dead}}</ref> By moving to Turin, he reunited with his ex-Parma teammates Lilian Thuram and Gianluigi Buffon, and together the trio formed one of the most feared defences in the Serie A, alongside the likes of [[Gianluca Zambrotta]], [[Gianluca Pessotto]], [[Alessandro Birindelli]], [[Jonathan Zebina]] and [[Federico Balzaretti]]. Juventus went on to win two consecutive ''[[Scudetto|Scudetti]]'' in [[2004–05 Serie A|2005]] and [[2005–06 Serie A|2006]], although they suffered consecutive quarter final eliminations in the Champions League. In the former season, he was also paired with club icons [[Paolo Montero]] and Ciro Ferrara. Cannavaro also won four ''[[Oscar del Calcio]]'' awards for his exceptional seasons with the Turin giants, winning the 2005 [[Serie A Defender of the Year]], the 2006 Defender of the Year, the 2006 [[Serie A Italian Footballer of the Year]] and the 2006 [[Serie A Footballer of the Year]].<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="tuttojuve.com"/>

After the [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006 World Cup]], the ''[[2006 Italian football scandal|Calciopoli]]'' trial verdicts relegated Juventus to [[Serie B]]. Since Juventus were ineligible to qualify for the Champions League, Cannavaro decided to leave. "Even if I know this may be hard to believe, I would have stayed at Juventus had they remained in Serie A – even with a 30-point deduction." He followed Juve manager [[Fabio Capello]] to [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] in the summer of 2006. In his two-year ''Scudetto''-winning stint with Juventus, Cannavaro made over 100 total appearances in all competitions. His transfer was met with disappointment from the Juventus fans, who had accepted him as one of their own.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="tuttojuve.com"/>

===2006–2009: Real Madrid===
[[Image:Forcejeo Real Madrid - FC Barcelona.jpg|thumb|Cannavaro (far left, in white) with [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] against [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]]]]
Real Madrid paid €7&nbsp;million to sign Cannavaro,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.juventus.com/site/filesite/finance/comunicatipricesensitive/27_lug_2006_eng.pdf |title=Agreements with the Spanish club Real Madrid CF |publisher=Juventus Football Club |date=27 July 2006 |access-date=7 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207072405/http://www.juventus.com/site/filesite/finance/comunicatipricesensitive/27_lug_2006_eng.pdf |archive-date=7 December 2008 }}</ref> and gave him the number 5 shirt which had previously been worn by [[France national football team|French international]] [[Zinedine Zidane]]. Cannavaro spent three seasons at [[Madrid]], winning the [[La Liga|Liga]] title in [[2006–07 La Liga|2006–07]] and [[2007–08 La Liga|2007–08]], and being named the 2006 [[FIFA World Player of the Year]],<ref name="Cannavaro stands alone amid attacking dominance">{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/ballon-dor/news/y=2015/m=10/news=cannavaro-stands-alone-amid-attacking-dominance-2720898.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024155741/http://www.fifa.com/ballon-dor/news/y=2015/m=10/news=cannavaro-stands-alone-amid-attacking-dominance-2720898.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 October 2015|title=Cannavaro stands alone amid attacking dominance|publisher=FIFA|date=23 October 2015|access-date=22 December 2015}}</ref> also winning the [[2006 Ballon d'Or]].<ref name="Cannavaro only third defender to win coveted Ballon d'Or"/> Cannavaro was elected as part of the 2006 and the 2007 [[FIFPro World XI]] squads, and the 2006 [[UEFA Team of the Year]]. He was named in the six-man shortlist for the 2007 [[Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the Year|Laureus World Sportsman of the Year]].<ref name="Laureus">[http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2007/02/27/masdeporte/1172595388.html "Seis candidatos españoles a los premios Laureus 2007"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118223911/http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2007/02/27/masdeporte/1172595388.html |date=18 January 2015 }}. El Mundo. Retrieved 17 January 2015.</ref>

On 19 May 2009, it was confirmed Cannavaro would return to Juventus for the [[2009–10 Serie A|2009–10 season]] at the conclusion of his contract.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11827_5336459,00.html |title=Juve confirm Cannavaro deal |publisher=Sky Sports |date=19 May 2009 |access-date=7 June 2010 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303211626/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11827_5336459,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On his final match at the [[Santiago Bernabéu Stadium]], he was given a standing ovation by the fans.<ref>{{cite web |date=24 May 2009 |title=Il Bernabeu in piedi per salutare Cannavaro |url=http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/serie_a/juventus/2009/05/24-28536/Il+Bernabeu+in+piedi+per+salutare+Cannavaro |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808172407/http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/serie_a/juventus/2009/05/24-28536/Il+Bernabeu+in+piedi+per+salutare+Cannavaro |archive-date=8 August 2014 |access-date=23 July 2014 |publisher=Tutto Sport |language=it}}</ref> In April 2013, Cannavaro was named by ''[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]]'' as a member of the "Best foreign eleven in [[History of Real Madrid C.F.|Real Madrid's history]]".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2013/04/11/en/football/real_madrid/1365709938.html|title=The best foreign eleven in Real Madrid's history|publisher=Marca.com|date=11 April 2013|archive-date=30 September 2017|access-date=12 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930033035/http://www.marca.com/2013/04/11/en/football/real_madrid/1365709938.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2009–2010: Return to Juventus===
Three years after Cannavaro left Juventus, and following the end of his contract with Real Madrid, in the summer of 2009, he decided to return to the club on a free transfer. Cannavaro started the new season very well, forming good defensive partnerships with [[Nicola Legrottaglie]], [[Martín Cáceres]], [[Zdeněk Grygera]], [[Fabio Grosso]] and most notably [[Giorgio Chiellini]], in front of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. However, from Autumn onwards, Juventus' form took a turn for the worse. Having been injured for a while in late 2009, Cannavaro struggled with his own form both on his comeback and subsequently, and Juventus were knocked out of the [[2009–10 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]], finishing third in their group.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="tuttojuve.com"/>

In March 2010, Cannavaro's relationship with the Juventus supporters, already fragile due to a perceived betrayal of the club when he left for Real Madrid, reached an all-time low. In a [[2009–10 UEFA Europa League|UEFA Europa League]] tie against [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]], Juventus, who had won the first leg 3–1 at home, were leading 1–0 at [[Craven Cottage]] in London. Early in the first half, Cannavaro accumulated two bookings for reckless challenges and was sent off. Reduced to ten men, Juventus collapsed to a 4–1 loss and were eliminated on aggregate. Cannavaro enraged supporters with the sending-off and its consequent role in the team's elimination. Juventus were also eliminated in the quarter-finals of the [[2009–10 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] to eventual champions and treble winners Inter Milan.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="tuttojuve.com"/>

The club finished the [[2009–10 Serie A|league season]] in seventh place, with only a [[UEFA Europa League|Europa League]] spot, its worst Serie A finish for a decade. Juventus subsequently confirmed Cannavaro's contract would not be renewed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/05/24/1940254/world-cup-2010-italy-juventus-defender-fabio-cannavaro-i |title=Italy & Juventus Defender Fabio Cannavaro: I Want Napoli, But They Don't Want Me |work=Goal.com |date=24 May 2010 |access-date=7 June 2010 |archive-date=9 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209054759/https://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2010/05/24/1940254/world-cup-2010-italy-juventus-defender-fabio-cannavaro-i |url-status=live }}</ref> His performances had become unreliable, so much so that his hometown club Napoli made no attempt to sign him, despite Cannavaro expressing his wish to rejoin the club on more than one occasion.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="tuttojuve.com"/>

===2010–2011: Al-Ahli===
On 2 June 2010, it was announced Cannavaro would move to [[UAE Arabian Gulf League|UAE League]] side [[Al-Ahli Dubai|Al-Ahli]] on a free transfer after the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup]]. Cannavaro signed a two-year deal.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/football/06/02/football.cannavaro.italy.dubai.ahli/index.html |title=Italy captain Cannavaro makes shock move to Dubai side Al Ahli |work=[[CNN International]] |date=2 June 2010 |access-date=9 July 2010 |archive-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201004004/https://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/football/06/02/football.cannavaro.italy.dubai.ahli/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He made 16 appearances for the Dubai club, scoring two goals. Cannavaro announced his retirement from football in July 2011 due to a serious knee problem; doctors had told him he could no longer play.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2011-07-09-1464146458_x.htm |title=Cannavaro retires from football on medical advice |work=[[USA Today]] |date=9 July 2011 |archive-date=25 October 2011 |access-date=27 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025090844/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2011-07-09-1464146458_x.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

One year after Cannavaro's retirement from Al-Ahli, it was announced he was joining the Indian league team Siliguri. In a footballers' auction whose line-up included names such as [[Jay-Jay Okocha]], [[Hernán Crespo]] and [[Robbie Fowler]], Cannavaro was bought by Siliguri for $830,000, exceeding his "base price" by $50,000.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indiablooms.com/SportsDetailsPage/2012/sportsDetails310112a.php |title=Siliguri bags Italy's Fabio Cannavaro for PLS |work=Indiablooms.com |date=31 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202155208/http://www.indiablooms.com/SportsDetailsPage/2012/sportsDetails310112a.php |archive-date=2 February 2014}}</ref> However, the league never came to fruition and Cannavaro stayed in retirement.

==International career==

===Youth career===
Cannavaro's first taste of international success came over in the mid-1990s under coach [[Cesare Maldini]] with [[Italy national under-21 football team|Italy's under-21]] side, winning two consecutive [[UEFA European Under-21 Championship]] titles, in [[1994 UEFA European Under-21 Championship|1994]] and [[1996 UEFA European Under-21 Championship|1996]], and developing an important defensive partnership with [[Alessandro Nesta]], which would also continue at senior level.<ref name="treccani.it"/> In 1996, he participated also at the [[Football at the 1996 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|Summer Olympics]] in [[Atlanta]]. He subsequently played for his country in the 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 [[FIFA World Cup]]s, as well as in the 2000 and 2004 [[UEFA European Championship]]s.<ref name="Nazionale in cifre: Cannavaro, Fabio">{{cite web |title=Nazionale in cifre: Cannavaro, Fabio |url=http://www.figc.it/nazionali/DettaglioConvocato?codiceConvocato=1145&squadra=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418051552/http://www.figc.it/nazionali/DettaglioConvocato?codiceConvocato=1145&squadra=1 |archive-date=18 April 2015 |access-date=17 April 2015 |website=figc.it |publisher=FIGC |language=it}}</ref>

===Early senior career and 1998 World Cup===
[[File:Cannavaro-italy-1998.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|left|Cannavaro with Italy in 1998]]
Cannavaro made his debut with the [[Italy national football team|Italy national team]] on 22 January 1997, in a [[Exhibition game|friendly]] match against [[Northern Ireland national football team|Northern Ireland]].<ref name="treccani.it"/> The same year, he earned plaudits for his handling of England striker [[Alan Shearer]] in a World Cup qualifying game at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]].<ref name="treccani.it"/> Shearer was then considered by the partisan English crowd to be the best striker in the world, and thought he would make fun of the inexperienced Italian defender. Nevertheless, in a display ranking alongside those of the very best Italian defenders [[Claudio Gentile]] and [[Franco Baresi]], Cannavaro managed to keep Shearer quiet for the whole game. Italy won the game 1–0 courtesy of a [[Gianfranco Zola]] goal.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="treccani.it"/><ref name="Nazionale in cifre: Cannavaro, Fabio"/>

Cannavaro's first international tournament came at [[1998 FIFA World Cup|1998 World Cup]] alongside the experienced and capable [[Giuseppe Bergomi]], [[Alessandro Costacurta]] and Paolo Maldini, as well as the emerging Alessandro Nesta, with Paolo Maldini's father, [[Cesare Maldini]], as head coach. Cannavaro made several strong performances throughout the tournament, although Italy eventually went out in the quarter-finals to hosts and eventual champions France, in a match where Cannavaro suffered a cut to his forehead following an elbow by [[Stéphane Guivarc'h]]. The ''Azzurri'' managed a 0–0 draw, eventually being decided by a penalty shoot-out in favour of the hosts.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/>

===Euro 2000 Final, 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004===
At [[UEFA Euro 2000|Euro 2000]], under manager [[Dino Zoff]], Cannavaro had a strong tournament, playing as centre-back alongside either Alessandro Nesta, [[Mark Iuliano]] or Paolo Maldini in [[Formation (association football)#3–5–2|3–5–2 formation]]. The Italian defence only conceded two goals ''en route'' to the [[UEFA Euro 2000 final|final]]: one against [[Turkey national football team|Turkey]], and one against [[Sweden men's national football team|Sweden]], both in the group stage, keeping three clean sheets in total. The ''Azzurri'' reached the final after defeating the Netherlands on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time. Italy led the then-world champions France 1–0 going into injury time. However, [[Sylvain Wiltord]] equalised in the final minute of injury time, and an extra-time [[golden goal]] from [[David Trezeguet]] gave France the title. Cannavaro was elected as part of the Team of the Tournament for his performances.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/>

At the [[2002 FIFA World Cup|2002 World Cup]], under manager [[Giovanni Trapattoni]], Cannavaro was credited with holding the defence together almost single-handedly after his usual defensive partner Alessandro Nesta was injured against [[Croatia national football team|Croatia]]. This injury, alongside several errors by match officials, dealt a severe blow to Italy's chances of winning the World Cup, the side having relied heavily on the Cannavaro–Nesta partnership in central defence. [[Marco Materazzi]], who deputised for Nesta, put in performances that were below his usual standards. Cannavaro picked up two yellow card during the group stage and was suspended for the round of 16 match, meaning Italy would be left without their two starting centre-backs.<ref name="The tragic tale of Byron Moreno">{{cite news|url=https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/world-cup/the-tragic-tale-of-byron-moreno-the-worst-referee-ever/article19110587/?ref=https://www.theglobeandmail.com&|title=The tragic tale of Byron Moreno, "the worst referee, ever"|work=The Globe and Mail|first=John|last=Doyle|date=10 June 2014|access-date=12 November 2017}}</ref><ref name="25 stunning moments">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/01/world-cup-25-stunning-moments-italy-south-korea|title=World Cup: 25 stunning moments … No21: Italy lose to South Korea in 2002|work=The Guardian|first=Nicky|last=Bandini|date=1 June 2014|access-date=12 November 2017|archive-date=29 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929044101/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/01/world-cup-25-stunning-moments-italy-south-korea|url-status=live}}</ref> Italy went out controversially in the second round, losing to co-hosts and eventual semi-finalists [[South Korea national football team|South Korea]], once again to a golden goal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wldcup.com/euro/2004/players_present/393_fabio_cannavaro.html |title=Cannavaro profile |work=Wldcup.com |access-date=5 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607115224/http://www.wldcup.com/euro/2004/players_present/393_fabio_cannavaro.html |archive-date=7 June 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/italia-corea-2002-complotto.html|title=Italia, Corea e Byron Moreno: COMPLOTTO?|trans-title=Italy, Korea and Byron Moreno: CONSPIRACY?|publisher=Storie di Calcio|language=it|access-date=20 May 2015|archive-date=9 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609011551/http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/italia-corea-2002-complotto.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Cannavaro had a difficult act to follow when he took over as captain from Paolo Maldini after the 2002 World Cup, but he quickly won the team over with his leadership, calming influence and inspirational performances, helping Italy qualify for Euro 2004.<ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/> After Maldini's international retirement, he first captained Italy in a 1–0 defeat to [[Slovenia national football team|Slovenia]] in [[Trieste]] on 21 August 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11860/2243526/montella-out-of-italian-game-cannavaro-captaincy|title=Montella out of Italian game – Cannavaro captaincy|publisher=Sky Sports|first=Graeme|last=Bailey|access-date=20 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/online/calciomercato2002/trieste/trieste/trieste.html|title=Guerriglia e botte in campo L'Italia è ancora piccola|trans-title=Guerilla and punches on the pitch Italy is still weak|work=La Repubblica|language=it|date=21 August 2002|access-date=20 May 2015|archive-date=21 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150521172216/http://www.repubblica.it/online/calciomercato2002/trieste/trieste/trieste.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He was later officially named Italy's captain for an away [[UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying|UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying match]] against [[Azerbaijan national football team|Azerbaijan]] on 7 September, which Italy won 2–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2002/settembre/08/Italia_vince_senza_riuscire_divertire_co_0_0209085818.shtml|title=L' Italia vince senza riuscire a divertire|trans-title=Italy wins without being able to entertain|language=it|first1=Fabio|last1=Monti|first2=Giancarlo|last2=Padovan|date=8 September 2002|access-date=20 May 2015|archive-date=25 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025142059/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2002/settembre/08/Italia_vince_senza_riuscire_divertire_co_0_0209085818.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/69255--azerbaijan-vs-italy/|title=Azerbaijan vs. Italy (0-2)|publisher=UEFA|date=7 September 2002|access-date=20 May 2015|archive-date=20 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320054436/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/69255--azerbaijan-vs-italy/|url-status=live}}</ref> In Italy's qualifier against [[Serbia and Montenegro national football team|Serbia and Montenegro]] in Naples, on 12 October, he received a standing ovation on the pitch where he wore the local side's colours, as Italy drew 1–1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7b1ff33d12-21228bb0e71c-1000--del-piero-denies-yugoslavia/|title=Del Piero denies Yugoslavia|publisher=UEFA|date=13 October 2002|access-date=20 May 2015|archive-date=18 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218203920/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7b1ff33d12-21228bb0e71c-1000--del-piero-denies-yugoslavia/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Cannavaro scored his first international goal on 30 May 2004, in a 4–0 win against [[Tunisia national football team|Tunisia]], in Tunis.<ref>{{cite web |date=30 May 2004 |title=I debuttanti del gol fanno bella l'Italia |url=http://www.repubblica.it/2004/e/sezioni/sport/calcio/nazionale/tunita/tunita/tunita.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304074958/https://www.repubblica.it/2004/e/sezioni/sport/calcio/nazionale/tunita/tunita/tunita.html |archive-date=4 March 2023 |access-date=20 May 2015 |work=La Repubblica |language=it}}</ref> [[UEFA Euro 2004|Euro 2004]], which was hosted by Portugal, turned out to be a disappointment. Cannavaro picked up yellow cards during his nations two opening group draws with [[Denmark national football team|Denmark]] (0–0) and Sweden (1–1), forcing him to sit out the final group match. Italy defeated [[Bulgaria national football team|Bulgaria]] 2–1, but failed to advance on goal difference.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/italy/fixtures/table/default.stm |title=Euro 2004 Group C |publisher=[[BBC Sport]] |date=25 May 2004 |access-date=7 June 2010 |archive-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201020621/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/italy/fixtures/table/default.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2006 World Cup winner===
[[File:Napolitano e Cannavaro.jpg|thumb|right|Cannavaro (right), alongside Italy President [[Giorgio Napolitano]], holds the [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006]] [[FIFA World Cup Trophy|World Cup trophy]]]]
Cannavaro captained Italy throughout their successful [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006 World Cup]] campaign with composure and aplomb under manager [[Marcello Lippi]]. One of his key performances came in a 2–0 extra-time win against hosts [[Germany national football team|Germany]] in the semi-finals of the tournament: in the last minute of extra-time, with Italy leading 1–0 and facing a German attack, Cannavaro outjumped [[Per Mertesacker]] to clear the ball from his area. He subsequently ran forward to dispossess [[Lukas Podolski]], and carried the ball up to [[Francesco Totti]] in midfield, who started the play that led to Italy's second goal, which was scored by [[Alessandro Del Piero]] from an assist by [[Alberto Gilardino]].<ref name="Memories">{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/node/49767|title=Mondiali Memories – Germany 06|publisher=Football Italia|first1=Luca|last1=Cetta|first2=Sam|last2=Lewis|access-date=27 July 2016|archive-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816071550/http://www.football-italia.net/node/49767|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Cannavaro's crowning moment was lifting the [[FIFA World Cup Trophy|World Cup trophy]] on 9 July 2006, the night of his 100th cap.<ref>{{cite news|title=A riot of colour, emotion and memories: the World Cup stands alone in the field of sport|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/world-cup-russia-2018-preview-lionel-messi-ronaldo-italia-90-98-england-brazil-germany-france-a8392211.html|access-date=29 September 2018|work=The Independent|archive-date=20 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820181206/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/world-cup-russia-2018-preview-lionel-messi-ronaldo-italia-90-98-england-brazil-germany-france-a8392211.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Cannavaro did not receive a single [[Yellow card (sports)|yellow]] or [[Misconduct (association football)|red card]] during the 690 minutes he played in the tournament. His defensive performance in the [[2006 FIFA World Cup final|final]] earned him the nickname of "Wall of Berlin", as the final was played in Berlin.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Memories"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4991652.stm|title=BBC SPORT &#124; Football &#124; World Cup 2006 &#124; Zidane off as Italy win World Cup|publisher=BBC Sport|last=Stevenson|first=Jonathan|date=9 July 2006|access-date=28 June 2012|archive-date=6 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906192236/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4991652.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Along with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, Cannavaro played each minute of every match in the tournament for Italy, completing 211 passes and winning 16 challenges.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blitzquotidiano.it/sport/italia-2006-campioni-del-mondo-grosso-jolly-cannavaro-buffon-voto-simpatia-75-1883864/|title=Home Sport Italia 2006: campioni del mondo. Grosso jolly, Cannavaro e Buffon muro: voto simpatia 7,5|website=BlitzQuotidiano.it|language=it|first=Antonio|last=Sansonetti|date=6 June 2014|access-date=3 July 2016|archive-date=23 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923223321/http://www.blitzquotidiano.it/sport/italia-2006-campioni-del-mondo-grosso-jolly-cannavaro-buffon-voto-simpatia-75-1883864/|url-status=live}}</ref> Even with usual defensive partner Alessandro Nesta out due to injury,<ref name="Memories"/> the Italian defence kept a record five clean sheets and conceded only two goals throughout the entire tournament: an own-goal against the [[United States men's national soccer team|United States]] and a Zinedine Zidane penalty in the final against France.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/>
[[File:Fabio Cannavaro in world cup 2006.jpg|thumb|upright=0.68|left|Cannavaro in final match [[2006 FIFA World Cup|World Cup 2006]]]]
Cannavaro's leadership and marshalling of the Italian defence throughout their march to the final earned him a place in the [[FIFA World Cup awards#All-Star Team|All-Star Team]] at the end of the competition (awarded by FIFA's Technical Study Group) alongside six other Italian teammates: Gianluigi Buffon, Francesco Totti, [[Gennaro Gattuso]], [[Andrea Pirlo]], [[Luca Toni]] and Gianluca Zambrotta.<ref name="France, Italy dominate World Cup all-star squad">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/france-italy-dominate-world-cup-all-star-squad-1.572395|title=France, Italy dominate World Cup all-star squad|publisher=CBC|date=7 July 2006|access-date=27 May 2015|archive-date=17 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017222206/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/france-italy-dominate-world-cup-all-star-squad-1.572395|url-status=live}}</ref> He was runner-up in the race for the [[FIFA World Cup awards#Golden Ball|Golden Ball]], finishing behind French counterpart Zinedine Zidane; it was a close contest with Zidane polling 2012 points to Cannavaro's 1977.<ref name="FIFA Awards: FIFA World Cup Golden Ball Awards">{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/fifa-awards.html|title=FIFA Awards: FIFA World Cup Golden Ball Awards|first=José Luis|last=Pierrend|date=12 February 2015|website=[[RSSSF]]|access-date=20 December 2015|archive-date=12 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112042845/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/fifa-awards.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Cannavaro was also awarded the [[2006 Ballon d'Or]]<ref name="Cannavaro only third defender to win coveted Ballon d'Or"/> and the [[2006 FIFA World Player of the Year]] for his performances throughout the season and at the World Cup,<ref name="Cannavaro stands alone amid attacking dominance"/> also being named to the [[FIFPro]] World XI and the UEFA Team of the Year.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/>

===Euro 2008===
On 2 June 2008, Cannavaro was injured during Italy's first training session for [[UEFA Euro 2008|Euro 2008]]. He sustained a knock following a tackle by fellow defender Giorgio Chiellini and was carried off the field on a stretcher. Italian squad doctor Paolo Zeppilli said, "We have to do tests but it does not look like a minor injury." These tests consequently showed that he had torn ligaments in his left ankle. Right after the examinations, Italian journalists waited for Cannavaro, who told them simply, "I'm going home", with a melancholic smile on his face. With that news, Italy manager [[Roberto Donadoni]] then called up Fiorentina centre-back [[Alessandro Gamberini]] as his official replacement. [[Alessandro Del Piero]] captained the team in his place. Cannavaro added that he would stay with the squad to offer support. This would have been Cannavaro's third Euro tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Speciali/Europei/2008/Primo_Piano/2008/06_Giugno/02/donadoni.shtml|title=Cannavaro, caviglia k.o. Per lui niente Europeo|trans-title=Cannavaro, ankle|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|first=Gaetano|last=De Stefano|date=2 June 2008|access-date=20 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/italy/7432512.stm |title=Cannavaro vows to stay with squad |website=BBC Sport |access-date=3 April 2010 |date=3 June 2008 |archive-date=27 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827181911/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/italy/7432512.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Cannavaro also put his plans to retire from the national team after Euro 2008 on hold and added that the injury had made him more determined than ever to captain Italy through the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |date=14 September 2008 |title=Cannavaro: Dopo il Real, voglio giocare almeno un anno in azzurro |url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2008/09/14/cannavaro-dopo-il-real-voglio-giocare-almeno.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203061925/http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2008/09/14/cannavaro-dopo-il-real-voglio-giocare-almeno.html |archive-date=3 February 2016 |access-date=20 May 2015 |work=La Repubblica |language=it}}</ref>

=== Record-breaking caps at the 2009 Confederations Cup===
In Italy's final [[2009 FIFA Confederations Cup|2009 Confederations Cup]] group match against [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]], Cannavaro equalled Paolo Maldini's record of being [[Italy national football team#Most capped players|Italy's most capped player]], although Italy were defeated 3–0 and were disappointingly eliminated from the tournament in the group stage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/confederations_cup/2009/06/21-31531/Il+Brasile+vince+3-0%3A+Italia+travolta+ed+eliminata|title=Il Brasile vince 3-0: Italia travolta ed eliminata|publisher=Tuttosport|language=it|date=21 June 2009|access-date=20 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229030001/http://www.tuttosport.com/calcio/confederations_cup/2009/06/21-31531/Il+Brasile+vince+3-0%3A+Italia+travolta+ed+eliminata|archive-date=29 December 2014}}</ref> On 12 August 2009, in a friendly match against [[Switzerland national football team|Switzerland]], Cannavaro became Italy's most capped player of all time. He won his 127th cap for his country, beating Maldini's former record of 126.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/>

===2010 World Cup and retirement===
Cannavaro captained Italy at the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup]] in [[South Africa]], once again under Marcello Lippi, although his performances were not as strong as in previous editions, and he and the Italian squad received criticism from the press.<ref name="Vergogna Italia E' fuori dal Mondiale">{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/speciali/mondiali/sudafrica2010/squadre/italia/2010/06/24/news/slovacchia_italia_diretta-5119745/|title=Vergogna Italia E' fuori dal Mondiale|trans-title=Shame Italy is out of the World Cup|work=La Repubblica|access-date=20 May 2015|language=it|first=Maurizio|last=Crosetti|date=24 June 2010}}</ref> The defending champions crashed out of the competition in the first round, losing 3–2 to [[Slovakia national football team|Slovakia]] in their final group match, after drawing 1–1 against both [[New Zealand men's national football team|New Zealand]] and [[Paraguay national football team|Paraguay]].<ref name="Vergogna Italia E' fuori dal Mondiale"/> Following Italy's failure to progress past the group stage, Cannavaro announced his retirement from international football.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="Vergogna Italia E' fuori dal Mondiale"/> In total, Cannavaro made 136 appearances for Italy between 1997 and 2010, scoring 2 goals, making him the second-most capped Italian player of all time, behind only Gianluigi Buffon.<ref name="urchin"/><ref name="Nazionale in cifre: Cannavaro, Fabio"/> Cannavaro has also made the second-most appearances for [[Italy national football team records#Captains|Italy as captain]], behind only Buffon, wearing the armband on 79 occasions.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="fondazionecannavaroferrara.it">{{cite web|url=http://www.fondazionecannavaroferrara.it/fondatori?lang=en|title=Founders: Fabio Cannavaro|publisher=Fondazione Cannavaro-Ferrara|access-date=20 May 2015|archive-date=2 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602192338/http://www.fondazionecannavaroferrara.it/fondatori?lang=en|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Buffon eguaglia Cannavaro">{{cite web|url=https://it.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d82065495c4-bf026037afdd-1000--capitani-azzurri-buffon-davanti-a-tutti/|title=Capitani azzurri: Buffon eguaglia Cannavaro|publisher=UEFA|language=it|date=14 November 2017|access-date=15 November 2017|archive-date=20 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420085820/https://it.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d82065495c4-bf026037afdd-1000--capitani-azzurri-buffon-davanti-a-tutti/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Managerial career==

===Al-Ahli===
After his retirement, Cannavaro was appointed a global brand ambassador and technical consultant of Al-Ahli Club of Dubai on 25 August 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://takedubai.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=239:fabio-cannavaro-starting-as-ambassador-for-dubai-based-club-al-ahli&catid=34:latest-news|title=Fabio Cannavaro starting as ambassador for Dubai-based club Al Ahli|work=Take Dubai.com|date=25 August 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331083705/http://takedubai.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=239%3Afabio-cannavaro-starting-as-ambassador-for-dubai-based-club-al-ahli&catid=34%3Alatest-news|archive-date=31 March 2012}}</ref> In July 2013, after [[Cosmin Olăroiu]] took charge as new head coach of Al-Ahli, Cannavaro was named as his first team coach.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://alahliclub.ae/en/index.php?go=news&more=727 |work=alahliclub.ae (official website) |date=6 July 2013 |title=Cosmin Olaroiu confirmed as Al Ahli coach on three-year deal |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208145904/http://alahliclub.ae/en/index.php?go=news&more=727 |archive-date=8 December 2015}}</ref> He guided Al-Ahli to [[UAE Arabian Gulf League|UAE Pro League]] and [[UAE Arabian Gulf Cup|UAE League Cup]] titles in his first season in charge.

===Guangzhou Evergrande===
On 5 November 2014, Cannavaro was named as the new head coach of [[Chinese Super League]] title-holder and four-time champions [[Guangzhou F.C.|Guangzhou Evergrande]], replacing his former national team manager Marcello Lippi. Cannavaro was formally unveiled by the club on the same day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/sport/arabian-gulf-league/fabio-cannavaro-offically-leaves-al-ahli-takes-guangzhou-evergrande-helm|title=Fabio Cannavaro officially leaves Al Ahli Dubai, takes Guangzhou Evergrande helm|work=The National|date=5 November 2014|agency=Agence France-Presse|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-date=12 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412195621/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/arabian-gulf-league/fabio-cannavaro-offically-leaves-al-ahli-takes-guangzhou-evergrande-helm|url-status=live}}</ref> On 4 June 2015, Guangzhou Evergrande suddenly announced Cannavaro was replaced by [[Luiz Felipe Scolari]] after a Super League match against [[Tianjin Teda F.C.|Tianjin Teda]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gzevergrandefc.com/news.aspx?ftid=30020|title=广州恒大淘宝足球俱乐部－关于卡纳瓦罗先生不再担任广州恒大淘宝足球队执行主教练的公告|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924024704/http://www.gzevergrandefc.com/news.aspx?ftid=30020|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gzevergrandefc.com/news.aspx?ftid=30021|title=广州恒大淘宝足球俱乐部－关于聘任斯科拉里先生担任广州恒大淘宝足球队主教练的公告|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-date=5 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605002147/http://www.gzevergrandefc.com/news.aspx?ftid=30021|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Al Nassr===
On 24 October 2015, Cannavaro was named new head coach of Saudi Arabian club [[Al Nassr FC|Al Nassr]] replacing [[Jorge Orosmán da Silva|Jorge da Silva]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/74750/al-nassr-hire-cannavaro|title=Al-Nassr hire Cannavaro &#124; Football Italia|date=24 October 2015|publisher=football-italia.net|access-date=7 February 2016|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122040833/https://www.football-italia.net/74750/al-nassr-hire-cannavaro|url-status=live}}</ref> The following 11 February, he rescinded his contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/it/news/94/calcio-internazionale/2016/02/11/20254682/fabio-cannavaro-saluta-larabia-rescissione-consensuale-con|title=Fabio Cannavaro saluta l'Arabia: rescissione consensuale con l'Al Nassr|publisher=Goal.com|language=it|date=11 February 2016|access-date=11 February 2016|archive-date=27 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427171402/http://www.goal.com/it/news/94/calcio-internazionale/2016/02/11/20254682/fabio-cannavaro-saluta-larabia-rescissione-consensuale-con|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Tianjin Quanjian===
On 9 June 2016, [[Tianjin Tianhai F.C.|Tianjin Quanjian]], who were on a streak of seven consecutive competitive matches without a win under [[Vanderlei Luxemburgo]], announced Cannavaro became the new manager of the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.qq.com/a/20160609/019020.htm|script-title=zh:天津权健官宣卡纳瓦罗挂帅 有信心带队升中超|publisher=QQ.com|language=zh|date=9 June 2016|access-date=9 June 2016|archive-date=21 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821210645/http://sports.qq.com/a/20160609/019020.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> They were ranked eighth place in the league at the time, and on 22 October he guided Quanjian to the [[2016 China League One]] title, thus sealing their promotion to the [[2017 Chinese Super League]].<ref name="2016CL1">{{cite web|url=http://scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2039268/tianjin-and-guizhou-win-promotion-chinese-super-league|title=Tianjin and Guizhou win promotion to the Chinese Super League|publisher=South China Morning Post|date=22 October 2016|access-date=22 October 2016}}</ref>

Under Cannavaro, Quanjian finished third in their top-tier debut with 15 wins, 9 draws and 6 losses and advanced to [[2018 AFC Champions League#Qualifying play-offs|2018 AFC Champions League Qualifying play-offs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.163.com/17/1106/10/D2I7H49R00058780.html|script-title=zh:天津权健官宣卡纳瓦罗挂帅 有信心带队升中超|publisher=Netease|language=zh|date=6 November 2017|access-date=6 November 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107023000/http://sports.163.com/17/1106/10/D2I7H49R00058780.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 6 November 2017, Quanjian announced the club accepted Cannavaro's resignation from the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.sina.com.cn/china/j/2017-11-06/doc-ifynmzrs7349348.shtml|script-title=zh:束昱辉宣布卡纳瓦罗卸任：半月前请辞 万分不舍|publisher=sina.com|language=zh|date=6 November 2017|access-date=6 November 2017}}</ref> He won the [[Chinese Football Association]] Coach of the Year award in November 2017.<ref name="CFA2017"/>

===Return to Guangzhou Evergrande===
On 9 November 2017, Guangzhou Evergrande appointed Cannavaro as manager for the second time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.sina.com.cn/china/j/2017-11-09/doc-ifynshev4698237.shtml|script-title=zh:广州恒大官方宣布卡纳瓦罗成为新任主帅|publisher=Sina|language=zh|date=9 November 2017|access-date=9 November 2017|archive-date=10 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110122337/http://sports.sina.com.cn/china/j/2017-11-09/doc-ifynshev4698237.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> He was relieved of his position on 27 October 2019, and went to corporate culture training, with captain [[Zheng Zhi]] the acting manager.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3034960/chinese-super-league-guangzhou-evegrandes-fabio-cannavaro-sent|title=Chinese Super League: Guangzhou Evegrande's Fabio Cannavaro sent for corporate training as leaders drop points, Zheng Zhi takes over|publisher=South China Morning Post|date=28 October 2019|access-date=28 October 2019|archive-date=28 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028071103/https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3034960/chinese-super-league-guangzhou-evegrandes-fabio-cannavaro-sent|url-status=live}}</ref> He returned six days later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-11/03/c_138525684.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103141611/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-11/03/c_138525684.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 November 2019|title=Cannavaro returns to Evergrande after handing self-reflection report to investor|publisher=Xinhua|date=3 November 2019|access-date=3 November 2019}}</ref> On 1 December 2019, he won the Chinese Super League.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://football-news24.com/news/fabio-cannavaro-chinese-champion-with-guangzhou-evergrande/|title=Fabio Cannavaro Chinese champion with Guangzhou Evergrande|publisher=Football News 24|date=1 December 2019|access-date=1 December 2019|archive-date=31 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731040629/https://football-news24.com/news/fabio-cannavaro-chinese-champion-with-guangzhou-evergrande/|url-status=live}}</ref> Cannavaro left Guangzhou again in September 2021.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fabio Cannavaro leaves troubled Guangzhou |url=https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/7449182/fabio-cannavaro-leaves-troubled-guangzhou/ |work=Newcastle Herald |date=29 September 2021 |accessdate=21 October 2021 |archive-date=21 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021115436/https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/7449182/fabio-cannavaro-leaves-troubled-guangzhou/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===China national team===
On 15 March 2019, Cannavaro was appointed manager of the [[China national football team|China national team]], in conjunction with coaching Guangzhou Evergrande.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecfa.cn/jxtz/20190315/26521.html|title=中国足球协会关于国家男子足球集训队组队的通知}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/135822/official-china-hire-cannavaro|title=Official: China hire Cannavaro|publisher=Football Italia|date=15 March 2019}}</ref> Six days later he lost his first match in charge, a 1–0 home defeat in the [[2019 China Cup|China Cup]] to [[Thailand national football team|Thailand]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/136211/china-cannavaro-already-risk|title=China: Cannavaro already at risk?|publisher=Football Italia|date=25 March 2019|access-date=25 March 2019|archive-date=26 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326122031/https://www.football-italia.net/136211/china-cannavaro-already-risk|url-status=live}}</ref> On 28 April, he stood down to focus on his role at Guangzhou Evergrande.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fabio Cannavaro steps down as China coach |url=https://www.asianage.com/sports/football/290419/fabio-cannavaro-steps-down-as-china-coach.html |date=29 April 2019 |access-date=29 April 2019 |archive-date=5 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705084503/https://www.asianage.com/sports/football/290419/fabio-cannavaro-steps-down-as-china-coach.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Benevento===
On 21 September 2022, Cannavaro took on his first managerial job in his native Italy, becoming the new head coach of [[Serie B]] club [[Benevento Calcio|Benevento]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.beneventocalcio.club/news/comunicatistampa/4826/fabio-cannavaro-e-il-nuovo-allenatore-del-benevento-calcio.shtml |publisher=[[Benevento Calcio]] |language=Italian |accessdate=21 September 2022 |date=21 September 2022 |title=FABIO CANNAVARO E' IL NUOVO ALLENATORE DEL BENEVENTO CALCIO}}</ref> On 4 February 2023, after failing to improve the club's fortunes and with the club deep into the relegation zone, he was sacked by Benevento.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.beneventocalcio.club/news/comunicatistampa/5059/comunicato-della-societa.shtml |publisher=[[Benevento Calcio]] |language=it |date=4 February 2023 |accessdate=4 February 2023 |title=COMUNICATO DELLA SOCIETA' |archive-date=4 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204170351/https://www.beneventocalcio.club/news/comunicatistampa/5059/comunicato-della-societa.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Udinese===
On 22 April 2024, Cannavaro became the new manager of [[Serie A]] club [[Udinese Calcio|Udinese]] in substitution of [[Gabriele Cioffi]].<ref>{{cite news |date=22 April 2024 |title=Fabio Cannavaro nuovo allenatore dell'Udinese |url=https://www.udinese.it/news/squadra/fabio-cannavaro-nuovo-allenatore-delludinese |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422145301/https://www.udinese.it/news/squadra/fabio-cannavaro-nuovo-allenatore-delludinese |archive-date=22 April 2024 |access-date=22 April 2024 |publisher=Udinese Calcio |language=it}}</ref> A few days after escaping relegation on the final matchday of the season following a dramatic 1–0 away win against [[Frosinone Calcio|Frosinone]], who were overtaken by Udinese and got relegated following that result, the club announced Cannavaro's departure from the club.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nota ufficiale: Fabio Cannavaro |url=https://www.udinese.it/news/squadra/nota-ufficiale-fabio-cannavaro |access-date=8 June 2024 |publisher=Udinese Calcio |language=it |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831005704/https://www.udinese.it/news/squadra/nota-ufficiale-fabio-cannavaro |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Dinamo Zagreb===
In December 2024, Cannavaro was confirmed as the new manager of Croatian club [[GNK Dinamo Zagreb|Dinamo Zagreb]], marking his first adventure in a foreign country in Europe. Cannavaro's first competitive match was in the [[2024–25 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] against [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]], where Dinamo lost 3–0.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-01-23 |title=Arsenal see off Dinamo Zagreb to all but seal last-16 place |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/arsenal-see-off-dinamo-to-all-but-seal-last-16-place |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124124530/https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/arsenal-see-off-dinamo-to-all-but-seal-last-16-place |archive-date=24 January 2025 |access-date=2025-02-01 |work=The Straits Times |language=en-SG |url-status=live }}</ref> Cannavaro had his first competitive win against [[AC Milan|Milan]]; however, despite Dinamo winning 2–1, the club failed to reach the knockout playoffs of the Champions League. By April 2025, Dinamo were eight points behind title rivals [[Hajduk Split]] and Cannavaro was heavily criticized for his way of managing the club.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AC Milan drop into play-offs after loss to Dinamo Zagreb |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c79dqgpq1w1t |access-date=2025-02-01 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB |archive-date=31 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250131231814/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c79dqgpq1w1t |url-status=live }}</ref> On 9 April, he was sacked.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44601211/dinamo-zagreb-sack-italy-great-fabio-cannavaro-3-months|title=Dinamo Zagreb sack Italy great Fabio Cannavaro after 3 months|publisher=espn.com|date=9 April 2025}}</ref>

===Uzbekistan national team===
On 6 October 2025, the [[Uzbekistan national football team|Uzbekistan national team]] appointed Cannavaro as their head coach, particularly for their debut World Cup appearance in the [[2026 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/fabio-cannavaro-uzbekistan-world-cup-88bc2ee78a24a62495a91deb4e499a1f#|title=Fabio Cannavaro to coach Uzbekistan at its first World Cup appearance|publisher=apnews.com|date=6 October 2025}}</ref>

==Style of play==
{{Quote box|width=28%|align=right|quote="Cannavaro has been the most accomplished defender at this World Cup [in 2006]. He has been the only permanent member of Italy's ever-changing backline. He has been imperious. Rigorous. Absolutely in charge. Standing tall at 5ft 9in, he is dwarfed by just about every other centre-half in Germany, yet he has risen serenely above them all, seemingly without a bead of sweat."|source=—Amy Lawrence, ''The Guardian''.<ref name="calm amid storm"/>}}

Cannavaro is considered one of the greatest defenders of all time, winning the World Cup as Italy's captain, as well as the [[Ballon d'Or]] and the [[FIFA World Player of the Year]] Award in 2006. Although he predominantly excelled as a [[centre-back]], due to his ability to read the game,<ref name="Profiles">{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/257739/inter-milan-squad-profiles|title=Inter Milan – Squad Profiles|publisher=ESPN FC|date=11 February 2003|access-date=2 February 2017|archive-date=3 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203164523/http://www.espnfc.com/story/257739/inter-milan-squad-profiles|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.footballitaliano.co.uk/p6_66_411_lessons-in-calcio-fabio-cannavaro.html#.VKoBdaaUQdQ|title=Lessons in Calcio – Fabio Cannavaro|publisher=FootballItaliano.co.uk|access-date=4 January 2015|archive-date=16 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216231146/http://www.footballitaliano.co.uk/p6_66_411_lessons-in-calcio-fabio-cannavaro.html#.VKoBdaaUQdQ|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Chi è il più forte del mondo">{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Rubriche/CalcioEstero/Primo_Piano/2007/02_Febbraio/07/MAGNIFICI20.shtml|title=Chi è il più forte del mondo?|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|first=Riccardo|last=Pratesi|date=7 February 2007|access-date=9 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808040825/http://www.gazzetta.it/Rubriche/CalcioEstero/Primo_Piano/2007/02_Febbraio/07/MAGNIFICI20.shtml|archive-date=8 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> he was also deployed as a right or left sided [[Full-back (association football)|full-back]] on occasion, in particular under his Inter coach [[Héctor Cúper]].<ref name="tuttojuve.com"/> This was made possible due to Cannavaro's tactical intelligence, versatility, technical ability, ball playing ability, stamina, low centre of gravity and pace, which also enabled him to start plays from the backline after winning possession.<ref>{{cite web |date=16 September 2002 |title=Cannavaro e la nuova carriera da terzino destro "Se Cuper me lo chiede, gioco anche di punta" |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2002/settembre/16/Cannavaro_nuova_carriera_terzino_destro_co_0_02091610008.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121112105/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2002/settembre/16/Cannavaro_nuova_carriera_terzino_destro_co_0_02091610008.shtml |archive-date=21 November 2015 |access-date=19 July 2014 |work=Il Corriere della Sera |language=it}}</ref><ref name="Cannavaro deserves Ballon d'Or"/><ref name="France and Italy">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/iht/2006/07/08/sports/IHT-08wcplayers.html?pagewanted=print|title=France and Italy – Settled and Similar|work=The New York Times|first=Peter|last=Berlin|date=8 July 2006|access-date=24 January 2017|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202042252/http://www.nytimes.com/iht/2006/07/08/sports/IHT-08wcplayers.html?pagewanted=print|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Italy from Albertini to Zola">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-italy-from-albertini-to-zola-1234117.html|title=Football: Italy from Albertini to Zola|work=The Independent|first=Roy|last=Hodgson|date=4 October 1997|access-date=24 January 2017|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202071315/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-italy-from-albertini-to-zola-1234117.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

As a defender, Cannavaro was known in particular for his concentration, anticipation, awareness and positional sense. Despite his relatively small stature for a defender, he was highly regarded for his aerial ability, courtesy of his elevation, physical strength, athleticism, timing and heading accuracy, which enabled him to outjump larger players and made him particularly adept at defending crosses, or at scoring with his head from [[Set piece (football)|set-pieces]].<ref name="urchin">{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2014/05/14/sport/football/fabio-cannavaro-world-cup-football/|title=Fabio Cannavaro: The street urchin who became a World Cup 'legend'|publisher=CNN|first1=Matthew|last1=Ponsford|first2=Layla|last2=Maghribi|date=6 June 2014|access-date=3 March 2017}}</ref><ref name="Cannavaro mister Pallone d'Oro">{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Primo_Piano/2006/11_Novembre/17/cannavaro.shtml|title=Cannavaro mister Pallone d'Oro|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=17 November 2006|access-date=19 July 2014|archive-date=30 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061230030928/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Primo_Piano/2006/11_Novembre/17/cannavaro.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="temperament">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/13/giorgio-chiellini-italy-euro-2016|title=Giorgio Chiellini: 'I have a strong temperament but off the pitch I am more serene'|work=The Guardian|first=Nicky|last=Bandini|date=13 June 2016|access-date=31 January 2017|archive-date=26 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726183427/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/13/giorgio-chiellini-italy-euro-2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/euro2000/italy/player/Cannavaro.html|title=Profile: Fabio Cannavaro|publisher=ESPN FC|first=Mark|last=Thompson|date=13 July 2000|access-date=22 February 2017|archive-date=23 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223045101/http://www.espnfc.com/euro2000/italy/player/Cannavaro.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="calm amid storm">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/jul/02/worldcup2006.sport20|title=Cannavaro stays calm amid storm|work=The Guardian|first=Amy|last=Lawrence|date=2 July 2006|access-date=3 March 2017}}</ref> Throughout his career, he made a name for himself as a dynamic, consistent, tenacious and complete defender, known for his acceleration, speed, reactions, and agility, as well as his tackling ability, and in particular, his precise sliding challenges. Due to his wide range of skills, he excelled in a [[Marking (association football)#Zonal marking|zonal marking]] system, but was also an excellent man-marker.<ref name="volo">{{cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2016-2017/cards/volo-bonucci-classifica-8-migliori-difensori-italiani-sempre/sesto-cannavaro.shtml|title=Il volo di Bonucci e la classifica degli 8 migliori difensori italiani di sempre|work=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|first=Mario|last=Sconcerti|date=23 November 2016|access-date=27 December 2016|archive-date=25 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125090928/http://www.corriere.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2016-2017/cards/volo-bonucci-classifica-8-migliori-difensori-italiani-sempre/sesto-cannavaro.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="glance">{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1022803.stm|title=Italy squad at a glance|publisher=BBC|access-date=7 November 2015|date=14 November 2000|archive-date=6 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906014317/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1022803.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/teams/italy/squad/742306.stm|title=BBC Sport: Euro 2000 Profile - Fabio Cannavaro|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=19 July 2014|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122040910/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/teams/italy/squad/742306.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/italy/squad/newsid_1859000/1859479.stm|title=Fabio Cannavaro|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 April 2002|access-date=4 June 2016|archive-date=4 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004035507/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/italy/squad/newsid_1859000/1859479.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Dear Matteo Darmian">{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/85318/dear-matteo-darmian|title=Dear Matteo Darmian|publisher=Football Italia|first=Andrea|last=Tallarita|date=3 June 2016|access-date=2 February 2017|archive-date=3 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203080357/http://www.football-italia.net/85318/dear-matteo-darmian|url-status=live}}</ref> During his time at Parma under manager [[Alberto Malesani]], he also stood out for his ability to press opposing forwards, which allowed the team to maintain a high three-man defensive line effectively.<ref name="Come giocava il Parma di Malesani">{{cite web |url=https://www.ultimouomo.com/come-giocava-il-parma-di-malesani/ |title=Come giocava il Parma di Malesani |publisher=L'Ultimo Uomo |language=it-IT |date=23 January 2018 |access-date=2 May 2024 |archive-date=15 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715095900/https://www.ultimouomo.com/come-giocava-il-parma-di-malesani/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Nicknamed ''Canna'' ("reed"), by his former Italy defensive teammate [[Paolo Maldini]],<ref name="calm amid storm"/> as a reference to his surname and mental strength, in addition to his ability as a defender, Cannavaro was also known for his leadership, determination, strong temperament and charisma, both on and off the pitch, as well as his ability to organise his defence.<ref name="Cannavaro deserves Ballon d'Or"/><ref name="France and Italy"/><ref name="Italy from Albertini to Zola"/><ref name="Cannavaro mister Pallone d'Oro"/><ref name="calm amid storm"/> Cannavaro also attributes his positive character, calm composure under pressure and self-assurance in his abilities, as well as his diet, work-rate and discipline in training, as some of the key reasons for his success as a footballer, as well as his ability to inspire confidence in his teammates.<ref name="story"/><ref name="urchin"/><ref name="treccani2">{{cite web|url=http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/fabio-cannavaro_%28Lessico-del-XXI-Secolo%29/|title=Cannavaro, Fabio|publisher=Enciclopedia Treccani: Lessico del XXI Secolo (2012)|language=it|access-date=3 March 2017}}</ref><ref name="Così si vincono i Mondiali">{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.it/sport/calcio/italia-ritiro-cannavaro-come-vincere-mondiali-brasile-2014/|title=Fabio Cannavaro: "Così si vincono i Mondiali"|publisher=Panorama|language=it|first=Teobaldo|last=Semoli|date=20 May 2014|access-date=3 March 2017}}</ref>

==Media==
[[File:Fabio Cannavaro 2017.jpg|thumb|upright|Cannavaro in Moscow in December 2017 at the draw for the [[2018 FIFA World Cup|2018 World Cup]]]]
Cannavaro was sponsored by sportswear company [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]] and appeared in Nike commercials. In a Nike advertising campaign in the run-up to the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan, Cannavaro starred in a "[[Secret Tournament]]" commercial (branded "Scopion KO") directed by [[Terry Gilliam]], appearing alongside football players such as [[Thierry Henry]], Ronaldo, Francesco Totti, [[Ronaldinho]], [[Luís Figo]] and [[Hidetoshi Nakata]], with former player [[Eric Cantona]] the tournament "referee".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nikebiz.com/story/stry_scorpion.shtml |title=A lighter shoe, cooler kits, a faster ball, a Secret Tournament – every touch counts |work=NikeBiz |publisher=Nike |access-date=21 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020602055510/http://www.nikebiz.com/story/stry_scorpion.shtml |archive-date=2 June 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/apr/03/advertising.worldcupfootball2002?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487 |title=Cantona hosts World Cup with a difference |work=The Guardian |first=Claire |last=Cozens |date=3 April 2002 |access-date=21 July 2012 |archive-date=1 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701165023/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/apr/03/advertising.worldcupfootball2002?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487 |url-status=live }}</ref> A 2010 Nike commercial, [[Write the Future]] directed by [[Alejandro González Iñárritu]], begins with Cannavaro making an impressive goal-line clearance from a [[Didier Drogba]] shot, before it cuts away to him being guest of honour on a [[Mediaset]]-style Italian variety programme, where dancers wearing sequined variations of his #6 shirt re-enact the clearance while suspended on wires.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.psfk.com/2010/05/nike-writes-the-future-just-in-time-for-the-world-cup.html|title=Nike "Writes the Future" – Just In Time For The World Cup|publisher=[[PSFK]]|last=Vazquez|first=Paloma M.|date=21 May 2010|access-date=12 February 2016|archive-date=4 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404235055/http://www.psfk.com/2010/05/nike-writes-the-future-just-in-time-for-the-world-cup.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Cannavaro was on the cover of the Italian edition of [[Sony Computer Entertainment|SCEE]]'s ''[[This is Football 2003]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spaziogames.it/recensioni_videogiochi/console_multi_piattaforma/1170/this-is-football-2003.aspx|title=Recensione di This is football 2003|website=spaziogames.it|language=it|access-date=18 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402112139/http://www.spaziogames.it/recensioni_videogiochi/console_multi_piattaforma/1170/this-is-football-2003.aspx|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Cannavaro also features in [[EA Sports]]' [[FIFA (video game series)|''FIFA'' video game series]]; he was named to the Ultimate Team Legends in ''[[FIFA 14]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.easports.com/fifa/news/2013/fifa-14-ultimate-team-legends|title=Football Legends Coming to FIFA 14 Ultimate Team|website=easports.com|date=30 August 2013|access-date=17 March 2015|archive-date=7 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207140639/https://www.easports.com/fifa/news/2013/fifa-14-ultimate-team-legends|url-status=live}}</ref> An icon in ''[[FIFA 19]]'', Cannavaro has a 92 rating.<ref>{{cite news |title=FIFA 19 Ultimate Team: What Icons are in the new game and how do you get them? |url=http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/fifa-19-ultimate-team-what-icons-are-in-the-new-game-and-how/1qrv1f9kllmhd12ffdqdmfy91j |access-date=15 September 2018 |agency=Goal |archive-date=12 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912131333/http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/fifa-19-ultimate-team-what-icons-are-in-the-new-game-and-how/1qrv1f9kllmhd12ffdqdmfy91j |url-status=live }}</ref> Cannavaro worked as a pundit on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] during the [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014 World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/jun/17/world-cup-2014-bbc-itv-pundits|title=World Cup 2014: ITV takes on BBC in battle of the pundits in Brazil|work=The Guardian|first=Sachin|last=Nakrani|date=17 June 2014|access-date=20 May 2015}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Cannavaro married Daniela Arenoso (b. 1974) on 17 June 1996,<ref name="family"/> they have three children, Christian (b. 1998) – also a footballer, who was playing as a [[midfielder]] for Serie B side [[Benevento Calcio|Benevento]] before retiring in 2019 - <ref>{{cite web |last=Calfapietra |first=Alessio |date=4 August 2017 |title=UFFICIALE: Carpi, ingaggiati Pachonik e Cannavaro Jr. |url=https://archivio.tuttomercatoweb.com/2017/ufficiale-carpi-ingaggiati-pachonik-e-cannavaro-jr-1002312 |access-date=17 January 2018 |website=TuttoMercatoWeb |language=it}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Schira |first=Nicolò |date=17 January 2018 |title=Altro colpo del Benevento: preso Cannavaro Junior |url=http://www.gazzamercato.it/benevento/altro-colpo-del-benevento-preso-cannavaro-junior/?intcmp=cannavaro-figlio |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118064522/http://www.gazzamercato.it/benevento/altro-colpo-del-benevento-preso-cannavaro-junior/?intcmp=cannavaro-figlio |archive-date=18 January 2018 |access-date=17 January 2018 |work=GazzaMercato |language=it}}</ref> Martina (b. 2001) and Andrea (b. 2004).<ref name="Pallone d'Oro a Cannavaro"/><ref>{{cite web |title=WAGS – Daniela Cannavaro, wife of Fabio Cannavaro |url=http://www.totalfootballmadness.com/2009/07/29/wags-daniela-cannavaro-wife-of-fabio-cannavaro/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212180326/http://www.totalfootballmadness.com/2009/07/29/wags-daniela-cannavaro-wife-of-fabio-cannavaro/ |archive-date=12 February 2010 |access-date=5 July 2010 |website=Total Football Madness |date=29 July 2009 |url-status=usurped}}</ref>

Cannavaro's younger brother, [[Paolo Cannavaro|Paolo]], was also a defender who last played for [[U.S. Sassuolo Calcio|Sassuolo]], and previously also played for Napoli, [[Hellas Verona FC|Verona]] and Parma.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 February 2014 |title=Paolo Cannavaro al Sassuolo, il fratello Fabio lancia tweet velenoso per il club |trans-title=Paolo Cananvaro to Sassuolo, his brother Fabio posts an aggressive tweet towards the club |url=http://corrieredelmezzogiorno.corriere.it/napoli/notizie/sport/2014/1-febbraio-2014/cannavaro-sassuolo-senza-polemiche-grazie-tutti-sostenete-insigne-2224007199527.shtml |access-date=20 May 2015 |website=Corriere del Mezzogiorno |language=it}}</ref> The two brothers played alongside each other at Parma from 2000 until 2002, when Fabio left for Inter.<ref>{{cite web |last=Carere |first=Barbara |date=30 May 2008 |title=...Paolo Cannavaro |url=https://archivio.tuttomercatoweb.com/2008/paolo-cannavaro-106414 |access-date=20 May 2015 |publisher=Tuttomercato |language=it}}</ref> Before his retirement, Fabio had often expressed interest in ending his career with Paolo in a Napoli shirt.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cannavaro: ''Non mi ritiro ancora e penso al Napoli'' |trans-title=Cannavaro: "I'm not retiring yet and I think about [playing for] Napoli" |url=http://sport.sky.it/sport/calcio_estero/2008/09/13/cannavaro_35_anni_niente_ritiro.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113432/http://sport.sky.it/sport/calcio_estero/2008/09/13/cannavaro_35_anni_niente_ritiro.html |work=Sky Sport |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=20 May 2015 |language=it |url-status=dead}}</ref>

With his fellow Neapolitan friend and former defensive teammate Ciro Ferrara, Cannavaro has helped establish a charity foundation, ''Fondazione Cannavaro Ferrara'', specialising in the procurement of cancer research equipment and surgery for special cases of cancer for a hospital in their native Naples; the foundation also aims to help at-risk youth in Naples.<ref name="fondazionecannavaroferrara.it" />

==Controversies==
The night before the 1999 UEFA Cup Final, a videotape was released which showed Cannavaro being injected with a substance. The substance was found to be neoton ([[phosphocreatine]]), which is used in cardiac surgery to protect the heart during periods of [[Hypoxia (medical)|anoxia]] and stress. It is not on the banned substance list. This chemical is, in partnership with [[adenosine triphosphate]] (ATP), fundamental to the ability of the body to produce muscular energy. Phosphocreatine is formed naturally within the body, with over 95% of the compound stored within the muscle cells. The body also receives dietary creatine primarily through the consumption of meat. No action was taken regarding this incident.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=cannavarovideo&prov=st&type=lgns |title=Cannavaro injection video troubles Italian sports executive |work=[[Yahoo! Sports]] |date=29 April 2005 |access-date=7 June 2010 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

On 8 October 2009, Cannavaro failed a drug test. However, Juventus claimed the drugs were medicine for a severe allergic reaction to a [[wasp]] sting and not performance-enhancing. Because of the urgent nature of the treatment, Cannavaro could not ask for permission to [[Italian National Olympic Committee|CONI]] in time, which was done immediately afterwards. Apparently, while awaiting the conclusion of formalities involved for CONI with granting this permission, he was subjected to the drug test that eventually gave a positive result. CONI later dropped charges against him.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8298063.stm |title=Cannavaro in failed doping test |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 October 2009 |access-date=7 June 2010 |archive-date=2 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202111921/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8298063.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In February 2015, Cannavaro, his wife Daniela and his brother Paolo were respectively handed ten-month, four-month and six-month prison sentences for breaching orders and entering Fabio's residence after authorities seized it in 2009 amid an investigation into fraudulent activity and tax evasion. All three have appealed and will have their sentences suspended until the final judgement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/italy/story/2316926/fabio-cannavaro-appeals-10-month-jail-term-over-villa-report|title=Fabio Cannavaro appeals 10-month jail term over villa – report|publisher=ESPN FC|first=Ben|last=Gladwell|date=25 February 2015|access-date=24 September 2015|archive-date=29 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929000254/http://www.espnfc.us/italy/story/2316926/fabio-cannavaro-appeals-10-month-jail-term-over-villa-report|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=25 February 2015 |title=Former Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro handed 10-month jail sentence |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/25/fabio-cannavaro-10-month-jail-sentence |access-date=24 September 2015 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

==Career statistics==

===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legaseriea.it/it/serie-a-tim/calciatore?p_p_id=BDC_dettaglio_calciatore_WAR_LegaCalcioBDC&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-1&p_p_col_count=1&_BDC_dettaglio_calciatore_WAR_LegaCalcioBDC_idPersona=10480 |title=Fabio Cannavaro league stats |publisher=[[Lega Serie A]] |access-date=17 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704113134/http://www.legaseriea.it/it/serie-a-tim/calciatore?p_p_id=BDC_dettaglio_calciatore_WAR_LegaCalcioBDC&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-1&p_p_col_count=1&_BDC_dettaglio_calciatore_WAR_LegaCalcioBDC_idPersona=10480 |archive-date=4 July 2013}}</ref>
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|Cup
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[SSC Napoli|Napoli]]
|[[1992–93 Serie A|1992–93]]
|[[Serie A]]
|2||0||1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||3||0
|-
|[[1993–94 Serie A|1993–94]]
|Serie A
|27||0||2||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||29||0
|-
|[[1994–95 Serie A|1994–95]]
|Serie A
|29||1||4||0||3||0||colspan="2"|–||36||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!58!!1!!7!!0!!3!!0!!0!!0!!68!!1
|-
|rowspan="8"|[[Parma AC|Parma]]
|[[1995–96 Parma AC season|1995–96]]
|Serie A
|29||1||0||0||6||0||1{{efn|name="supercoppa"|[[Supercoppa Italiana]]}}||0||36||1
|-
|[[1996–97 Parma AC season|1996–97]]
|Serie A
|27||0||1||0||2||0||colspan="2"|–||30||0
|-
|[[1997–98 Parma AC season|1997–98]]
|Serie A
|31||0||6||0||7||0||colspan="2"|–||44||0
|-
|[[1998–99 Parma AC season|1998–99]]
|Serie A
|30||1||7||0||8||0||colspan="2"|–||45||1
|-
|[[1999–2000 Parma AC season|1999–2000]]
|Serie A
|31||2||3||0||9||1||2{{efn|One [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] playoff match, one [[Supercoppa Italiana]] match}}||0||45||3
|-
|[[2000–01 Parma AC season|2000–01]]
|Serie A
|33||0||7||0||6||0||colspan="2"|–||46||0
|-
|[[2001–02 Parma AC season|2001–02]]
|Serie A
|31||1||5||0||9||0||colspan="2"|–||45||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!212!!5!!29!!0!!47!!1!!3!!0!!291!!5
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Inter Milan]]
|[[2002–03 Inter Milan season|2002–03]]
|Serie A
|28||0||0||0||12||1||colspan="2"|–||40||1
|-
|[[2003–04 Inter Milan season|2003–04]]
|Serie A
|22||2||3||0||9||0||colspan="2"|–||34||2
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!50!!2!!3!!0!!21!!1!!0!!0!!74!!3
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Juventus FC|Juventus]]
|[[2004–05 Juventus FC season|2004–05]]
|Serie A
|38||2||0||0||9||1||colspan="2"|–||47||3
|-
|[[2005–06 Juventus FC season|2005–06]]
|Serie A
|36||4||2||0||9||0||1{{efn|name="supercoppa"}}||0||48||4
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!74!!6!!2!!0!!18!!1!!1!!0!!95!!7
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]]
|[[2006–07 Real Madrid CF season|2006–07]]
|[[La Liga]]
|32||0||1||0||6||0||colspan="2"|–||39||0
|-
|[[2007–08 Real Madrid CF season|2007–08]]
|La Liga
|33||0||1||0||6||0||2{{efn|[[Supercopa de España]]}}||1||42||1
|-
|[[2008–09 Real Madrid CF season|2008–09]]
|La Liga
|29||0||1||0||7||0||colspan="2"|–||37||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!94!!0!!3!!0!!19!!0!!2!!1!!118!!1
|-
|Juventus
|[[2009–10 Juventus FC season|2009–10]]
|Serie A
|27||0||1||0||5||0||colspan="2"|–||33||0
|-
|[[Al-Ahli Dubai]]
|[[2010–11 UAE Pro League|2010–11]]
|[[UAE Pro League]]
|16||2||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||16||2
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!531!!16!!45!!0!!113!!3!!6!!1!!695!!19
|}

{{notelist}}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref>{{cite web |title=Fabio Cannavaro – Century of International Appearances |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/cannavaro-intl.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206044128/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/cannavaro-intl.html |archive-date=6 December 2022 |access-date=15 October 2010 |website=[[Rec. Sport. Soccer Statistics Foundation|RSSSF]]}}</ref>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="14"|[[Italy national football team|Italy]]
|1997||12||0
|-
|1998||11||0
|-
|1999||8||0
|-
|2000||14||0
|-
|2001||9||0
|-
|2002||12||0
|-
|2003||10||0
|-
|2004||6||1
|-
|2005||8||0
|-
|2006||15||0
|-
|2007||8||0
|-
|2008||8||1
|-
|2009||10||0
|-
|2010||5||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!136!!2
|}

:''Scores and results list Italy's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Cannavaro goal.''

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Fabio Cannavaro
|-
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
|-
| style="text-align:center"|1 || 30 May 2004 || [[Radès]], Tunisia || {{fb|TUN}} || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || style="text-align:center"|4–0 || [[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]
|-
| style="text-align:center"|2 || 6 February 2008 || [[Zürich]], Switzerland || {{fb|POR}} || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || style="text-align:center"|3–1 || Friendly
|}

==Managerial statistics==
{{Updated|18 November 2025}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!rowspan="2"|Team
!rowspan="2"|{{Tooltip|Nat|Club nationality}}
!rowspan="2"|From
!rowspan="2"|To
!colspan="5"|Record
|-
!{{Tooltip|G|Games managed}}!!{{Tooltip|W|Wins}}!!{{Tooltip|D|Draws}}!!{{Tooltip|L|Losses}}!!{{Tooltip|Win %|Winning percentage}}
|-
|[[Guangzhou F.C.|Guangzhou Evergrande]]<ref name="stats china">{{cite web|url=http://www.sodasoccer.com/search/player/13/25827/3F33EFD6636EC757.shtml|script-title=zh:卡纳瓦罗|work=sodasoccer|access-date=18 April 2018|language=zh|archive-date=18 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418092918/http://www.sodasoccer.com/search/player/13/25827/3F33EFD6636EC757.shtml|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|{{flagicon|China}}
|5 November 2014
|4 June 2015
{{WDL|22|11|6|5}}
|-
|[[Al Nassr FC|Al Nassr]]
|{{flagicon|Saudi Arabia}}
|26 October 2015
|11 February 2016
{{WDL|16|6|7|3}}
|-
|[[Tianjin Tianhai F.C.|Tianjin Quanjian]]<ref name="stats china"/>
|{{flagicon|China}}
|9 June 2016
|6 November 2017
{{WDL|55|33|10|12}}
|-
|[[Guangzhou F.C.|Guangzhou Evergrande]]
|{{flagicon|China}}
|9 November 2017
|29 September 2021
{{WDL|132|79|23|30}}
|-
|[[China national football team|China PR]]
|{{flagicon|China}}
|15 March 2019
|29 April 2019
{{WDL|2|0|0|2}}
|-
|[[Benevento Calcio|Benevento]]
|{{flagicon|Italy}}
|21 September 2022
|4 February 2023
{{WDL|17|3|7|7}}
|-
|[[Udinese Calcio|Udinese]]
|{{flagicon|Italy}}
|22 April 2024
|30 June 2024
{{WDL|6|2|3|1}}
|-
|[[GNK Dinamo Zagreb|Dinamo Zagreb]]
|{{flagicon|Croatia}}
|29 December 2024
|9 April 2025
{{WDL|14|7|2|5}}
|-
|[[Uzbekistan national football team|Uzbekistan]]
|{{flagicon|Uzbekistan}}
|6 October 2025
|''Present''
{{WDL|4|2|1|1}}
|-
!colspan="4"|Total
{{WDLtot|268|143|59|66}}
|}

==Honours==
===Player===
'''Parma'''<ref name="Fabio Cannavaro">{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01ed-0ea28499bbcb-ecf590e93e22-1000--fabio-cannavaro/|title=Fabio Cannavaro|website=[[UEFA]]|date=1 January 2011|access-date=15 April 2015|archive-date=20 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320055554/https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01ed-0ea28499bbcb-ecf590e93e22-1000--fabio-cannavaro/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SW">{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/coaches/fabio-cannavaro/57/|title=F. Cannavaro|work=Soccerway|access-date=17 January 2018|archive-date=18 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118011317/https://int.soccerway.com/coaches/fabio-cannavaro/57/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Coppa Italia]]: [[1998–99 Coppa Italia|1998–99]], [[2001–02 Coppa Italia|2001–02]]
*[[Supercoppa Italiana]]: [[1999 Supercoppa Italiana|1999]]
*[[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]]: [[1999 UEFA Cup final|1998–99]]

'''Juventus'''
*[[Serie A]]: [[2004–05 Serie A|2004–05]], [[2005–06 Serie A|2005–06]] (''both revoked due to [[Calciopoli]] scandal'')

'''Real Madrid'''
*[[La Liga]]: [[2006–07 La Liga|2006–07]], [[2007–08 La Liga|2007–08]]<ref name="Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="SW"/>
*[[Supercopa de España]]: [[2008 Supercopa de España|2008]]

'''Italy U-21'''
*[[UEFA European Under-21 Championship]]: [[1994 UEFA European Under-21 Championship|1994]], [[1996 UEFA European Under-21 Championship|1996]]<ref name="Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="SW"/>

'''Italy'''
*[[FIFA World Cup]]: [[2006 FIFA World Cup final|2006]]<ref name="Fabio Cannavaro"/>
*[[UEFA European Championship]] runner-up: [[UEFA Euro 2000|2000]]

'''Individual'''
<!--LEAGUE AND FEDERATION-SANCTIONED AWARDS ONLY. No fan or magazine-voted awards. Listed in chronological order from last time won.-->
*[[UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|UEFA Under-21 Championship Golden Player]]: [[UEFA European Under-21 Championship#Under-21 Golden Player|1996]]<ref name="Fabio Cannavaro"/>
*[[UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament]]: [[UEFA Euro 2000|2000]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/finals/history/memories/newsid=1627525.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602045322/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/finals/history/memories/newsid=1627525.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 June 2013|title=UEFA Euro 2000 team of the tournament|website=[[UEFA]]|publisher=UEFA|access-date=31 March 2015|date=1 January 2011}}</ref>
*FICTS Hall of Fame and Excellence Guirlande d'Honneur: 2002<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportmoviestv.com/sport-movies-tv-edizioni-precedenti/edizione-2002/|title=Sport Movies Edizione 2002|access-date=25 May 2017|archive-date=10 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410201813/http://www.sportmoviestv.com/sport-movies-tv-edizioni-precedenti/edizione-2002/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Serie A Defender of the Year]]: 2005,<ref>{{cite web |title=Gli Oscar del Calcio |url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/storia-assocalciatori-sergio-campana_6.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115825/http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/storia-assocalciatori-sergio-campana_6.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=22 December 2015 |publisher=Storie di Calcio |language=it}}</ref> 2006<ref name="Oscar Aic"/>
*[[ESM Team of the Year]]: [[European Sports Media#2004.E2.80.9305|2004–05]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/esm-xi.html |title=ESM XI |first=Karel |last=Stokkermans |date=14 March 2007 |access-date=29 November 2015 |url-status=live |website=[[RSSSF]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207144925/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/esm-xi.html |archive-date=7 February 2016}}</ref>
*[[FIFA World Player of the Year]]: [[2006 FIFA World Player of the Year|2006]]<ref name="Cannavaro stands alone amid attacking dominance"/>
*[[Ballon d'Or]]: [[2006 Ballon d'Or|2006]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/europa-poy.html|title=European Footballer of the Year ("Ballon d'Or")|first1=Rob|last1=Moore|first2=Karel|last2=Stokkermans|date=21 January 2011|website=[[RSSSF]]|access-date=22 December 2015|archive-date=16 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116080615/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/europa-poy.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Golden Ball (FIFA)|FIFA World Cup Silver Ball]]: 2006<ref name="FIFA Awards: FIFA World Cup Golden Ball Awards"/>
*[[FIFA World Cup awards#All-Star Team|FIFA World Cup All-Star Team]]: 2006<ref name="France, Italy dominate World Cup all-star squad"/>
*[[World Soccer Player of the Year]]: 2006<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldsoccer.com/features/world-soccer-awards-previous-winners-2-338433 |title=World Soccer Awards – previous winners |work=World Soccer |first=Jamie|last=Rainbow |date=14 December 2012 |access-date=21 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629194202/http://www.worldsoccer.com/features/world-soccer-awards-previous-winners-2-338433 |archive-date=29 June 2016}}</ref>
*[[Serie A Footballer of the Year]]: 2006<ref name="Guerin d'Oro">{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/italpoy.html |title=Italy – Footballer of the Year |access-date=6 February 2015 |url-status=live |website=[[RSSSF]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121013030/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/italpoy.html |archive-date=21 January 2015}}</ref>
*[[Serie A Italian Footballer of the Year]]: 2006<ref name="Oscar Aic">{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Primo_Piano/2007/01_Gennaio/29/oscar.shtml|title=Oscar Aic, Cannavaro cannibale|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=29 January 2007|access-date=22 December 2015|archive-date=10 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010095413/https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Primo_Piano/2007/01_Gennaio/29/oscar.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[UEFA Team of the Year]]: [[UEFA Team of the Year#Team of the Year 2006|2006]]<ref name="Fabio Cannavaro"/>
*[[FIFPro World XI]]: 2006,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fifpro.org/en/award-history/fifpro-world-xi-2005-2006|title=FIFPro World XI 2005/2006|publisher=FIFPro|date=20 December 2013|access-date=9 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709013756/http://www.fifpro.org/en/award-history/fifpro-world-xi-2005-2006|archive-date=9 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> 2007<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fifpro.org/en/award-history/fifpro-world-xi-2006-2007|title=FIFPro World XI 2006/2007|publisher=FIFPro|date=20 December 2013|access-date=9 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302065115/http://www.fifpro.org/en/award-history/fifpro-world-xi-2006-2007|archive-date=2 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[List of 2009 all-decade Sports Illustrated awards and honors#Soccer All-Decade Team|Sports Illustrated Team of the Decade]]: 2009<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Wahl|first=Grant|title=2000s: The Decade in Sports; All-Decade Team: Soccer|magazine=Sports Illustrated|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/15/soccer.decade.team/index.html|date=21 December 2009|access-date=30 August 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113202936/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/15/soccer.decade.team/index.html|archive-date=13 November 2012}}</ref>
*[[ESPN World Team of the Decade]]: 2009<ref>{{cite news|last=Brewin|first=John|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/717519/espn-soccernet-international-team-of-the-decade|title=World Team of the Decade|date=25 December 2009|work=ESPNsoccernet|publisher=ESPN|access-date=29 January 2018|archive-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801044740/http://www.espnfc.com/story/717519/espn-soccernet-international-team-of-the-decade|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Gran Galà del Calcio#Lifetime Achievement Award|Gran Galà del Calcio AIC Lifetime Achievement Award]] 2011<ref>{{cite web |last=Marco |first=Iaria |date=21 January 2012 |title=Totò, Ibra e Cavani Che tris nel Top 11 dell' Aic |url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2012/gennaio/21/Toto_Ibra_Cavani_Che_tris_ga_10_12012111295.shtml?refresh_ce-cp |access-date=25 April 2016 |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it}}</ref>
*[[Italian Football Hall of Fame]]: 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/27-10-2015/hall-of-fame-vialli-mancini-facchetti-ronaldo-herrera-agnelli-tardelli-ferlaino-130676725232.shtml|title=Hall of fame, 10 new entry: con Vialli e Mancini anche Facchetti e Ronaldo|trans-title=Hall of fame, 10 new entries: with Vialli and Mancini also Facchetti and Ronaldo|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=27 October 2015|access-date=27 October 2015|archive-date=28 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028131551/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/27-10-2015/hall-of-fame-vialli-mancini-facchetti-ronaldo-herrera-agnelli-tardelli-ferlaino-130676725232.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Juventus FC|Juventus Greatest XI of All Time]]: 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2017/juve120-team-announced.php|title=#JUVE120 team announced|publisher=juventus.com|date=24 November 2017|access-date=29 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527064014/http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2017/juve120-team-announced.php|archive-date=27 May 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Juventus FC Hall of Fame]]: 2025<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 September 2025 |title=Juventus creates its Hall of Fame - Juventus |url=https://www.juventus.com/en/news/articles/juventus-creates-its-hall-of-fame |access-date=10 September 2025 |website=Juventus.com |language=en}}</ref>

===Manager===
'''Tianjin Quanjian'''<ref name="SW"/>
*[[China League One]]: [[2016 China League One|2016]]<ref name="2016CL1"/>

'''Guangzhou Evergrande'''
*[[Chinese Super League]]: [[2019 Chinese Super League|2019]]
*[[Chinese FA Super Cup]]: [[2018 Chinese FA Super Cup|2018]]<ref>[http://sports.sina.com.cn/china/j/2018-02-26/doc-ifyrvspi2233766.shtml 生涯首冠！卡帅终于捅破窗户纸 拒重蹈3年前覆辙] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410224247/http://sports.sina.com.cn/china/j/2018-02-26/doc-ifyrvspi2233766.shtml |date=10 April 2023 }} {{in lang|zh}}</ref>

'''Individual'''
*[[Chinese Football Association]] Coach of the Year: 2017<ref name="CFA2017">[http://sports.sina.com.cn/china/j/2017-11-11/doc-ifynstfh5671370.shtml 卡纳瓦罗当选中超最佳教练 曼萨诺斯托遗憾落选] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422203323/http://sports.sina.com.cn/china/j/2017-11-11/doc-ifynstfh5671370.shtml |date=22 April 2023 }} {{in lang|zh}}</ref>

===Orders===
:*[[File:Cavaliere OMRI BAR.svg|50px]] 5th Class / Knight: ''[[Order of Merit of the Italian Republic|Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana]]'': 2000<ref name="5th class">{{cite web |date=12 July 2000 |title=Cannavaro Sig. Fabio – Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana |url=http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=87732 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402233836/http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=87732 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |access-date=19 March 2015 |website=quirinale.it |language=it}}</ref>

:*[[Image:Friedrich Order.png|left|50px]] [[Italian National Olympic Committee|CONI]]: ''Golden Collar of Sports Merit'': 2006<ref>{{cite web |date=16 October 2006 |title=Coni: Consegna dei Collari d'Oro e dei Diplomi d'Onore. Premia il Presidente del Consiglio Romano Prodi. Diretta Tv su Rai 2 |url=http://www.coni.it/it/news/primo-piano/49-primo-piano-2006/2935-coni-_consegna_dei_collari_d%26rsquo%3Boro_e_dei_diplomi_d%26rsquo%3Bonore-_premia_il_presidente_del_consiglio_romano_prodi-_diretta_tv_su_rai_2.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224094737/http://www.coni.it/it/news/primo-piano/49-primo-piano-2006/2935-coni-_consegna_dei_collari_d%26rsquo%3Boro_e_dei_diplomi_d%26rsquo%3Bonore-_premia_il_presidente_del_consiglio_romano_prodi-_diretta_tv_su_rai_2.html |archive-date=24 December 2016 |access-date=23 December 2016 |publisher=Coni.it}}</ref>

:*[[File:ITA OMRI 2001 Uff BAR.svg|50px]] 4th Class / Officer: ''[[Order of Merit of the Italian Republic|Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana]]'': 2006<ref name="4th class">{{cite web |date=12 December 2006 |title=Cannavaro Sig. Fabio – Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana |url=http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=198447 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403203143/http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=198447 |archive-date=3 April 2015 |access-date=19 March 2015 |website=quirinale.it |language=it}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Association football|Italy|Biography
}}
*[[List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps|List of footballers with 100 or more caps]]
*[[List of association football families]]
{{Clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{Official website|http://www.fabiocannavaro.it/}}
* {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613064848/http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1193041516860/1202773671879/jugador/JugadorLegendario/Cannavaro.htm |date=13 June 2012 |title=Fabio Cannavaro at Realmadrid.com }}
* {{FIFA player|155957}}
* {{UEFA player|18958}}
* [http://www.football-lineups.com/footballer/29_Fabio_Cannavaro/ Fabio Cannavaro] at Football Lineups
* [http://aic.football.it/scheda/224/cannavaro-fabio.htm Fabio Cannavaro at AIC] {{in lang|it}}
* {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114032914/http://www.legaseriea.it/en/players/fabio-cannavaro/CANFA |date=14 January 2018 |title=Fabio Cannavaro at LegaSerieA.it }}
* {{TuttoCalciatori|Cannavaro_Fabio}}
* {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418051552/http://www.figc.it/nazionali/DettaglioConvocato?codiceConvocato=1145&squadra=1 |date=18 April 2015 |title=Fabio Cannavaro at FIGC }} {{in lang|it}}
* [http://www.italia1910.com/giocatori-scheda.asp?idgiocatore=130 Fabio Cannavaro] at Italia1910.com {{in lang|it}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-sports}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Paolo Maldini]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Italy national football team#Captains|Italy captain]]|years=2002–2010}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Gianluigi Buffon]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{Current managers of AFC national teams}}
{{navboxes
|title=Italy squads
|bg=#0066bc
|fg=#FFFFFF
|list1=
{{Italy men's football squad 1996 Summer Olympics}}
{{Italy squad 1998 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Italy squad UEFA Euro 2000}}
{{Italy squad 2002 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Italy squad UEFA Euro 2004}}
{{Italy squad 2006 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Italy squad 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup}}
{{Italy squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title=Awards
|bg=gold
|fg=navy
|list1=
{{2006 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament}}
{{UEFA EURO 2000 Team of the Tournament}}
{{European U21 Championship Golden Player}}
{{Ballon d'Or recipients}}
{{FIFA World Player of the Year winners}}
{{Serie A Footballer of the Year}}
{{Serie A Defender of the Year}}
{{Italian Footballer of the Year}}
{{2006 UEFA Team of the Year}}
{{Chinese Football Association Coach of the Year}}
{{Golden Foot Legends Award}}
{{Sports Illustrated Soccer 2000s All-Decade Team}}
{{Italian Football Hall of Fame}}
{{Juventus FC Hall of Fame}}
{{Walk of Fame of Italian sport}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title=Managerial positions
|list1=
{{Uzbekistan national football team managers}}
{{Guangzhou Evergrande F.C. managers}}
{{Al Nassr FC managers}}
{{Tianjin Tianhai F.C. managers}}
{{China national football team managers}}
{{Udinese Calcio managers}}
{{GNK Dinamo Zagreb managers}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cannavaro, Fabio}}
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from Naples]]
[[Category:Italian men's footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football central defenders]]
[[Category:SSC Napoli players]]
[[Category:Parma Calcio 1913 players]]
[[Category:Inter Milan players]]
[[Category:Juventus FC players]]
[[Category:Real Madrid CF players]]
[[Category:Shabab Al Ahli Club players]]
[[Category:Serie A players]]
[[Category:La Liga players]]
[[Category:UAE Pro League players]]
[[Category:Italy men's under-21 international footballers]]
[[Category:Italy men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Olympic footballers for Italy]]
[[Category:Footballers at the 1996 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:1998 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2000 players]]
[[Category:2002 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2004 players]]
[[Category:2006 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:2009 FIFA Confederations Cup players]]
[[Category:2010 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:FIFA World Cup–winning players]]
[[Category:UEFA Europa League–winning players]]
[[Category:Ballon d'Or winners]]
[[Category:FIFA World Player of the Year winners]]
[[Category:FIFA Men's Century Club]]
[[Category:World Soccer Magazine World Player of the Year winners]]
[[Category:Italian expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Italian expatriate sportspeople in Spain]]
[[Category:Italian expatriate sportspeople in the United Arab Emirates]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in the United Arab Emirates]]
[[Category:Italian football managers]]
[[Category:Guangzhou F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Al-Nassr FC managers]]
[[Category:Tianjin Tianhai F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Benevento Calcio managers]]
[[Category:Udinese Calcio managers]]
[[Category:China national football team managers]]
[[Category:GNK Dinamo Zagreb managers]]
[[Category:Uzbekistan national football team managers]]
[[Category:Chinese Super League managers]]
[[Category:Saudi Pro League managers]]
[[Category:China League One managers]]
[[Category:Serie B managers]]
[[Category:Serie A managers]]
[[Category:Italian expatriate football managers]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in China]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in Saudi Arabia]]
[[Category:Italian expatriate sportspeople in China]]
[[Category:Italian expatriate sportspeople in Saudi Arabia]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in Croatia]]
[[Category:Italian expatriate sportspeople in Uzbekistan]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in Uzbekistan]]
[[Category:Italian expatriate sportspeople in Croatia]]
[[Category:Officers of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic]]
[[Category:Knights of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic]]
[[Category:20th-century Italian sportsmen]]